Table of Contents
- LeafFilter
- LeafFilter at a Glance
- Gutter Helmet
- Gutter Helmet at a Glance
- Key Differences Between Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter
- Key Similarities Between LeafGuard and LeafFilter
- Best Gutter Guard Company Overall
- Is Gutter Helmet or LeafFilter Right for Your Home?
- Methodology
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Knowing how to keep gutters clean can save you bigger headaches later on. You can also have peace of mind by installing gutter guards if you prefer not to DIY a gutter cleaning. LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet are two of the best options out there. See how they’re similar and what makes them different to find the right one for your home.
LeafFilter
Featured Partners
1
LeafFilter
Customer Reviews
Excellent
States Available
44
Professional Installation Required
Yes
LeafFilter at a Glance
LeafFilter started operating in 2005 and has become known as one of the best gutter guard systems available. LeafFilter utilizes a stainless steel mesh screen and a uPVC frame to provide durability and performance. Additionally, these gutter guards get installed on top of your existing gutters and feature a built-in pitch to move water better.
LeafFilter has a three-piece system with the stainless steel screen mesh, uPVC frame and structural hangers, which get fastened to a home’s fascia board to help prevent expensive gutter replacement costs down the road. LeafFilter boasts that at 275 microns fine, not even shingle grit will get through its micromesh screen. Read our complete LeafFilter review for more information.
Pricing
LeafFilter doesn’t provide pricing on its website. Instead, you have to call to schedule an appointment for a representative to come out and provide a quote. Installing a LeafFilter gutter guard system can range between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of the project.
Costs are typically estimated by lineal foot and LeafFilter costs per lineal foot average between $15 and $45. The size of a home, number of stories, condition of existing gutters and other things can impact the cost.
State Availability
LeafFilter does not have locations in Oregon, Vermont, South Dakota, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska. However, the company has offices in the following 44 states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Products Offered
LeafFilter offers just one gutter guard, which includes its 275 micron mesh screen, uPVC frame and structural hangers. uPVC doesn’t warp or deteriorate, which makes it a good investment. It doesn’t show dings and dents as much as other materials. The structural hangers sit internally in the gutter and provide additional strength to prevent gutters from becoming misshapen.
Installation
LeafFilter’s installation begins with an inspection and prep. Once installed, the gutter guards can keep gutters clean and clog-free. During the inspection, a LeafFilter technician will take a look at your existing gutter system and note any spots that will need repair or replacement. Those that need replacing will have new gutters installed.
Before installing the gutter guards, a technician will prep the area by cleaning your gutters of any debris. They’ll also realign any gutters that need it and seal any gaps in your existing system.
After preparing the area, the professional will begin installing the gutter guards. The job can take several hours up to a full day, depending on the size of the project. The installers will clean the work area after they complete the installation.
Gain peace of mind when you invest in LeafFilter’s gutter protection system. LeafFilter offers a transferable warranty for their patented 275-micron steel mesh guard, ensuring your investment remains protected for years to come. If you sell your property, you can pass on the warranty to the new owner.
Warranty
LeafFilter offers a transferable warranty for its patented 275-micron steel mesh guard. If you sell your property, you can pass on the warranty to the new owner.
In addition, its installation services include a one-year workmanship warranty. Typically, this warranty covers issues related to the performance and durability of the gutter protection system, such as material and workmanship defects. However, it’s essential to carefully review the specific warranty terms and conditions the company provides, as they may vary depending on the product. This will help you fully understand what is covered and for how long, allowing you to make an informed decision when considering LeafFilter products.
Customer Service & Support
LeafFilter’s comprehensive customer service and support options are designed to assist customers with their gutter protection needs. Whatever your questions or concerns, you can generally reach out to the company through its toll-free phone number, email, live chat on the company’s website. Additionally, its website provides a helpful FAQ section and knowledge base for quick answers.
Other Benefits
LeafFilter offers a few discounts. There is a 10% military discount for active duty, National Guard and retired members. LeafFilter also extends a 10% discount to people 65 and older. Plus if you install LeafFilter gutter guards, you can refer a friend, who will receive a 10% discount. LeafFilter’s gutter guard system comes with a lifetime transferable warranty. That means if you sell your home, you can pass the warranty on to the new homeowner.
Fine Print
Though LeafFilter has a lifetime warranty, there are instances where it won’t cover damages. Any damage caused by random acts of nature (hail, trees falling, major storms, etc.), any modification of the system after installation or if a limited number of downspouts on your gutter system causes a backflow of water, it won’t be covered under the warranty.
Gutter Helmet
Gutter Helmet at a Glance
We named Gutter Helmet the best gutter guard due in part to its ability to handle rain, compatibility and warranty. Gutter Helmet has existed since 1981 and owns seven patents. SEMCO™ (Southeastern Metals Mfg. Co.) a subsidiary of Gibraltar Industries owns Gutter Helmet, which operates through a dealer network across the country.
Gutter Helmet uses aluminum gutter guards and the principle of surface tension to keep gutters clear of debris to move water freely. The guards have a reverse-curve surface tension design that allows water to flow through a slit that’s less than half of an inch large while keeping debris out. It works well to allow up to 22 inches of rain per hour without any problems. Gutter Helmet also uses heavy duty reinforced aluminum alloy mounting brackets to secure the guard system.
Pricing
Gutter Helmet doesn’t disclose pricing on its website but provides quotes after you schedule an appointment to have a technician visit. Installing Gutter Helmet gutter guards can start at $3,000 and rise depending on the size of your home, number of stories and condition of your existing gutters. Gutter Helmet installation can cost between $30 and $45 per lineal foot.
State Availability
Gutter Helmet does not have locations in South Dakota, Delaware, Hawaii, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Vermont and West Virginia. But it does operate in the following 41 states.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Products Offered
The Gutter Helmet uses surface tension to draw rainwater around the edge of a gutter cover and into the gutter channel. Debris, meanwhile, will fall to the ground. The gutter guard system has a nose-forward design and a ribbed surface.
Gutter Helmet offers its gutter guard system, plus its Helmet Heat add-on option to combat ice dams in winter. The Helmet Heat uses a self-regulating heating cable to stop ice and snow from accumulating on the edge of a roof.
Installation
A Gutter Helmet technician will inspect your existing gutter system before installation begins. They’ll pinpoint any trouble spots and replace any gutters that can’t undergo repair. Prior to installation, the technician will repair any gutters out of alignment or those with gaps. They’ll also clean your gutters ahead of the service. Once the technician completes the prep work, they’ll custom fit the Gutter Helmet over your gutters and secure the gutter guards in place.
Warranty
Gutter Helmet offers a Triple Lifetime Warranty, which means that Gutter Helmet will repair or replace your gutters up to three times during the lifetime of your home. To ensure that you can get the most out of your warranty, it’s important to note that the specific terms and conditions vary depending on several factors like product performance, professional installation, etc. To obtain accurate and current information about Gutter Helmet warranties, it is recommended to refer to the warranty documentation or reach out to Gutter Helmet’s customer service directly.
Customer Service and Support
Gutter Helmet’s support team is dedicated to helping you find answers and solutions to your questions and concerns related to gutter protection systems. You can contact their support team for product information, installation and maintenance, warranty inquiries, troubleshooting or any other issue. Gutter Helmet also offers an FAQ section on its website to help you find quick answers to common queries.
Other Benefits
Gutter Helmet will run discounts, like $200 off a dealer list price. You can find additional promotions and discounts on other sites that list deals.
Fine Print
Gutter Helmet’s lifetime performance warranty is managed by the dealer who installed the gutter guard system and is contingent on proper installation of the Gutter Helmet.
Key Differences Between Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter
The main difference between Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter is the operation of the gutter guard system. LeafFilter, as the name suggests, uses a filter to keep debris from entering your gutters. The mesh stainless steel screen will keep items out of your gutters, but it might not stop things from accumulating on top of the gutter guard, though it has a built-in slope to try to prevent that.
The Gutter Helmet utilizes surface tension to allow water to pass into the gutter through a small slot while debris glides over the edge. However, the opening could possible allow debris to enter your gutters. It’s also made of aluminum, which is a softer metal. Gutter Helmet’s PermaLife™ coating helps protect against any corrosion, peeling, chipping or chalking.
Key Similarities Between LeafGuard and LeafFilter
Both gutter guard systems attach to your existing gutter systems and work to prevent your gutters from clogging. Though they use different approaches, both work to move water through and keep debris out of the gutter. The gutter guards can prevent problems associated with improperly functioning gutters where water can overflow and lead to mold issues inside your home, soffits or fascia.
How Gutter Helmet Stacks Up Against LeafFilter
Best Gutter Guard Company Overall
We named Gutter Helmet as the 2023 Best Gutter Guard because it has an excellent record, decades of experience and the ability to handle a lot of water at one time. Plus, because it can over existing gutter systems and it has a triple lifetime warranty, it’s a good investment. LeafFilter has plenty of upsides, too, and deciding between the two will come down to a matter of preference for gutter guard systems.
Is Gutter Helmet or LeafFilter Right for Your Home?
It depends on the needs of your home and climate. If you live in a region that experiences a lot of rain, Gutter Helmet might appeal more because it can handle a lot of waterflow at one time. Gutter Helmet can be a choice if you have trees overhanging your roof where leaves might accumulate on top of other gutter guards.
If you’re more concerned about dirt or smaller debris collecting in your gutters, then LeafFilter might be your best bet because of its filtering ability. Not much will pass through the LeafFilter gutter guard system, but it might need more maintenance than the Gutter Helmet.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, two providers were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Methodology
To determine the best gutter guard company ranking, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed third-party data on a dozen major companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
Size Compatibility (20%)
Size compatibility makes up a fifth of the total ranking because ensuring a new gutter guard fits your home is paramount.
BBB Grade Rating (F-A+) (20%)
BBB grade rating is an indicator of a company or product’s health, which is why it was included as a category weighing 20% of the total ranking.
Rain-Resistance Rating (15%)
The team gathered and analyzed each gutter guard’s rain-resistance rating. The better the rating, the more points a product got, which totaled 15% of the ranking.
Number of Colors Available (15%)
Color options of each gutter guard product were evaluated for 15% of the total ranking. The more color options, the more points a product got.
Warranty (15%)
Warranty accounts for 15% of the total ranking, and each product’s warranty was evaluated for both breadth and length.
BBB Accreditation (15%)
Whether or not a product and its corresponding company BBB accredited gained or lost it points for 15% of the total ranking.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Gutter Helmet worth the money?
There are many reasons to install gutter guards because they can help prevent issues. When water pools in your gutters, it can lead to insect breeding or water damage to your home. Additionally, overflowing gutters can lead to damage below to your basement, foundation, siding or walkways. There is value in installing the Gutter Helmet because often the DIY gutter guard systems fail or don’t do a good enough job. With Gutter Helmet you get a guarantee with a lifetime warranty that it will help prevent issues caused by clogged gutters.
Does Gutter Helmet work in heavy rain?
Gutter Helmet works exceedingly well in heavy rain. Gutter Helmet can handle 22 inches of water per hour, which is nearly twice the rate of the biggest recorded weather event in history.
Can I install gutter guards myself?
Yes, you can install gutter guards by yourself. However, you can’t install the Gutter Helmet or LeafFilter. Both require professional installation by one of their certified technicians.
There is no shortage of gutter guards available at hardware stores or big box retailers. They perform with varying degrees of success and can require maintenance to prevent debris from collecting on top of them.
Installing gutter guards is a two-person job at a minimum because it requires time on a ladder. It’s difficult and dirty work for DIYers, plus if not done properly, it can lead to water issues in different parts of your home. Installing gutter guards could require permitting in some areas, too.
