LeafFilter Vs. LeafGuard: Major Differences, Pros And Cons

LeafFilter’s gutter protectors are installed to prevent holes, gaps or large openings. This ensures water doesn’t get in places it’s not wanted and all debris is kept out of the gutter. What is nice about LeafFilter’s product is that it can be installed directly on your existing gutters. This eliminates the need for complete gutter replacement, saving you money. LeafFilter’s patented three-piece system includes the following components to ensure it only collects rainwater and sheds debris.

• 275 Micron Steel Mesh
• uPVC Frame
• Strong Structural Hangers

Pricing

As with most gutter repair companies, you won’t be able to get an accurate price until you have a representative come out to your home. For LeafFilter, this visit/consultation is free of charge. Typically, the price will be influenced by several factors.

• Size of home
• How many stories your home has
• Linear footage of your roof
• Existing gutters
• Repairs on existing gutters

Based on customer responses, you can expect LeafFilter to cost anywhere from $15 to $45 per linear foot. Which includes installation by one of their technicians and material cost.

State Availability

LeafFilter is currently available in 39 states, including:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Products Offered

LeafFilter only offers one gutter protection product, which can be custom fit to your home’s existing gutter system. Their product includes the three following structural components.

Micron Mesh

The way LeafFilter’s gutter protectors keep debris out is by using a 275-micron fine mesh. This ensures that not even the smallest particles will make it into your gutter system. The mesh is made out of surgical-grade stainless steel, allowing it to never suffer from rust or corrosion.

uPVC Frame

The uPVC frame is what houses the micron mesh. The uPVC material has been proven to never wrap or deteriorate over the lifetime of the product. This frame is installed with a pitch that slopes away from your roof to allow debris to roll off and not cause any clogging issues.

Hanging System

The way LeafFilter’s product is installed is by fastening hidden hangers into the fascia boards of your roof. This ensures your gutter protection system will never sag or be affected by any additional weight.

Installation

LeafFilter offers a three-step installation plan which includes inspection, prep and installation.

Inspection

A LeafFilter technician will inspect your home and current gutter system for any areas that might need repair before installation. If they find any areas of concern they will repair them at this stage. If you don’t currently have gutters, those will be installed at this stage as well.

Prep

During the prep phase, your technician will remove any debris from your gutters, as well as, realign and reseal any gaps found in your system.

Installation

Once your gutter system is cleaned and repaired, your LeafFilter technician will install your new gutter protectors. You can typically expect this three-step plan to take several hours to a full day, depending on your home’s needs. After installation, LeafFilter will ensure they leave the job site free of debris and excess materials.

Maintenance

Taking a proactive approach, which involves regular inspections, periodic cleaning and adherence to manufacturer guidelines, is vital for maintaining the efficiency of your LeafFilter. By following these recommended practices, you can trust LeafFilter to keep your gutters free from leaves and other debris.

Failing to perform this maintenance task can lead to the buildup of various debris, such as leaves, shingle grit and pine needles. This debris can ultimately lead to water backup, which can cause the gutters to detach, foundation damage, siding problems, mold growth, structural issues, basement flooding and more. Therefore, proper gutter maintenance is a vital preventive measure to shield your home from these potential water-related damages.

Other Benefits

Discounts Offered

Since you are reading this article, you are probably contemplating if gutter protection is actually necessary for your home. Depending on your roof dimensions, gutter protection products can be quite a hefty bill. However, LeafFilter offers a 10% discount for two communities of the population to help lessen the blow.

• Military discount for active duty, National Guard, and retired
• Senior discount for people 65 or older

Lifetime Warranty

LeafFilter follows industry standards by offering a lifetime transferable warranty. What is beneficial about that is if you ever sell your home, you can pass the coverage to the new homeowner. This could provide some incentive to your listing come time to sell.

Customer Support & Reviews

If you have any questions or need assistance with LeafFilter, it’s recommended that you contact its customer support directly. You can find their contact information on the company’s official website or product documentation. LeafFilter’s customer support is the most suitable resource for addressing inquiries about their products, installation, warranties and any other concerns you may have.

Exploring online platforms that host customer reviews can be beneficial for additional insights and feedback from other users. However, it’s important to approach online reviews cautiously yet consider that they could provide valuable insights to guide your decision-making process.

BBB (Better Business Bureau)

LeafFilter’s HQ profile currently holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This rating displays LeafFilter’s commitment to maintaining trustworthy and reliable business practices, making it a favorable choice for prospective customers.

One review specifically emphasized the company’s excellent customer service and commended the installer’s efficiency.

“The salesperson was extremely knowledgeable. The installer was pleasant, and the installation did not take all day. I am pleased so far with the installation.” – Gloria, January 2024

However, some customers have raised concerns about the dependability of the gutter guard’s installation.

“…Gutters were not cleaned and sealed prior to installation. The main area of concern still leaks, preventing us from stepping out our back door.” – Anne, January 2024

Another review had issues with the color of the product but praised other aspects.

“The color…of the gutters isnt an exact match to the existing fascia and drip edge…That is disappointing. Everything else I love about the gutters!” – Matt, December 2023

Trustpilot

LeafFilter’s current Trustpilot rating is 4.4 out of 5.

Several reviews specifically praised the exceptional and thorough customer service provided by LeafFilter’s service technicians.

“Following a problem with one of the gutters, which LeafFilter patched, I notified the company of the issue. The response was very prompt, and an inspection was performed within a few days. The problem was corrected the next work day.” – Robert, January 2024

“Very efficient crew and very personable. Finished the job much faster than anticipated with no challenges. As a business owner myself, it was refreshing to see the ‘Teamwork’ in action.” – Tilda, January 2024

Another review was displeased with LeafFilter’s gutter guard system’s warranty.

“When I purchased it, I was told the LeafFilter system had a lifetime warranty. You would think that includes the gutters & screen filters. However, I lost several screen filters due to strong winds. They did come out & made the repairs but charged me for a service call because it was weather-related…” – Alan, January 2024

Fine Print

Warranty Limitations

While LeafFilter’s lifetime warranty is generous, you need to make sure you read the fine print surrounding voids to the coverage. There are a few instances where LeafFilter won’t honor any damage your gutter protectors may incur.

• Random acts of nature (hail, trees falling, major storms, etc.)
• Modifying the system yourself after installation
• Limited number of downspouts on your current gutter system cause backflow of water

LeafGuard’s gutter system offers a one-piece seamless design that reduces the chances of clogging after installation. LeafGuard achieved this by designing its product based on the principles of liquid adhesion. Water will cling to the hood of the gutter and be carried away from the house, while any debris will simply be deflected off the gutter.

Pricing

LeafGuard also does not advertise its pricing online. You will have to commit to an at-home consultation. LeafGuard says they do this because it allows them to give you the most accurate price and over-the-phone estimates tend to leave customers with surprise final bills. For LeafGuard to give you an accurate price, their technicians conduct a four-step estimate process.

1. Identify: areas of your home that are of most concern to you.
2. Inspect: your current gutter system to find any faulty or damaged areas.
3. Measure: the length of the portion of your home that will receive gutters. This gives an accurate price per linear foot.
4. Discuss: LeafGuard’s technician will use the first three metrics to give you the quote for their gutter protectors. They will take the time to sit down with you and discuss what they found and answer any questions you may have.

State Availability

LeafGuard is offered in 36 states, including:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Products Offered

LeafGuard also offers only one gutter protection product. Where it differs is if you currently have a gutter system, LeafGuard’s product will replace it entirely. This isn’t a one-size fits all gutter protection system. LeafGuard’s product will include the following components.

Sturdy All-Inclusive Design

LeafGuard’s gutters have a patented one-piece design making their product more durable and stronger than other gutter protection products. LeafGuard also installs its gutters by placing support brackets every two feet (the industry standard is four feet) which ensures that the gutters can withstand any weather event thrown their way. LeafGuard has impeccable rain resistance as well, with the ability to handle 32 inches of rain per hour.

Eliminates Potential Damage to Your Home

With LeafGuard’s no-clog guarantee, the potential for water-related damage to your home is significantly reduced. Other companies’ offerings, made of lesser materials, have been shown to sag and rust, leaving your roof susceptible to water damage.

Customized to Your Home

LeafGuard’s professional installers will custom fit your new gutter system on-site to the exact specs of your home. Another benefit to LeafGuard’s gutter system is that they are mounted away from your roof, ensuring that no damage will happen during installation that could potentially void any roof warranties.

Installation

LeafGuard’s installation process is pretty straightforward. Their product is a one-piece design meaning their system will completely replace any current gutters your home may have. During their installation, LeafGuard’s technician will remove your old gutters, if you have them. Then they will measure, cut and install their gutter protection system and downspouts. You can expect the installation to take several hours to a full day, depending on the size of your home.

Maintenance

The innovative design of LeafGuard gutter systems is known for its ability to minimize the need for regular maintenance. Designed with a unique curved hood feature, the gutter guard effectively removes leaves and debris while allowing water to flow through. As a result, the risk of clogs and blockages, which are common issues with traditional gutters, is significantly reduced.

While LeafGuard systems significantly reduce the need for frequent cleaning, performing a comprehensive gutter cleaning at least once a year is recommended. This ensures the removal of any dirt or debris that may accumulate over time, contributing to the system’s long-term effectiveness. Additionally, trimming overhanging branches that may deposit leaves into the gutters can further enhance the efficiency of LeafGuard gutter systems.

For a proactive approach to maintenance, scheduling periodic professional inspections is recommended. LeafGuard professionals can identify and address any potential issues, such as damage or displacement, ensuring the continued functionality of the LeafGuard gutter system. By combining routine homeowner checks with periodic professional inspections, individuals can effectively maintain their LeafGuard gutters and enjoy reliable protection against clogs and water damage.

Other Benefits

No Clog Guarantee

LeafGuard stands behind their product 100%. They guarantee you that their gutter protection system will never clog for as long as you own the home. However, nothing is impossible, so if your LeafGuard system does clog at any point, they will come out and clean your gutters free of charge.

To receive assistance from LeafGuard’s customer support, it is advisable to contact the company directly through their official customer service channels. LeafGuard usually offers customer support via phone, email or an online contact form that can be found on their official website.

Customer Support & Reviews

LeafGuard’s customer feedback is available on consumer review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. These reviews offer valuable insights into the customer experience, product performance and overall satisfaction. It’s crucial to note that individual experiences may vary, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple reviews, as well as speaking with the company for a comprehensive understanding.

BBB (Better Business Bureau)

LeafGuard’s HQ profile boasts an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB. This top-tier rating highlights LeafGuard’s dedication to maintaining trustworthy and reliable business practices.

One review highlighted the company’s customer service, praising the assistance and helpfulness of LeafGuard’s representatives.

“Representative had answers to all of my questions. He also gave me his opinion on an issue I needed, which was solved. It was very clean; I didn’t see any debris left, and I also arranged the patio furniture back to its original. Very prompt…” – Toni, October 2023

Another review mentioned their experience with the gutter guard system’s inefficiency.

“They told us the pine needles and other small debris would blow off the gutters. We still have to clean out our gutters. This is not what we were told when we used this company.” – Kevin, November 2023

Another reviewer gave a mixed review, praising the product, but giving notes for customer service.

“We had LeafGuard gutters installed on our new addition. The gutters look great and worked well after a heavy rain. We are pleased with the product, but communication was contradictory and frustrating and we feel we overpaid.” – Mike, April 2022.

TrustPilot

LeafGuard currently holds a Trustpilot rating of 2.5 out of 5.

One review highlighted their satisfaction with LeafGuard’s gutter guard system and exceptional customer service.

“We recently had LeafGuard installed on our house. It actually made the house look better, and the employees were all very nice and very professional. They made sure we were pleased with everything and cleaned up behind themselves. I really can’t say enough about them other than they are excellent.” – Diane, November 2023

On the other hand, a reviewer explained dissatisfaction with LeafGuard’s efficiency.

“The gutter design does not effectively collect water from roofs with steep pitch or any roof valleys – even in light rain…” – David, October 2023

Fine Print

Warranty Registration

It is important to note that you won’t automatically receive LeafGuard’s lifetime warranty coverage upon installation. You must register for your warranty within 30 days of your installation date or you won’t receive coverage.

Product Type

Perhaps the main difference between LeafGuard and LeafFilter is their product offering. With LeafGuard, you will receive a custom-fit, one-piece gutter protection system that will completely replace your old gutters. LeafFilter’s product is more of a one-size fits all application. LeafFilter gutter protectors can be universally installed on any home’s current gutter system.

Rainwater Capacity

Another key difference between these two companies is the amount of rain their products can handle. Rainwater capacity is typically expressed in inches per hour. LeafGuard’s gutter protection system can handle up to 32 inches of rain per hour. To put that into perspective, that’s over three times the rainfall record recorded by the U.S. Weather Bureau.

LeafFilter, on the other hand, doesn’t advertise its rainfall capacity. Since their product is simply a filter screen, we can assume that their rainwater capacity will not be any higher than what your home’s current gutter system can handle.

No-Clog Guarantee

When choosing LeafGuard for your gutter protection needs, you’ll receive their no-clog guarantee. They feel their product is designed in a way that will slough off any debris thrown its way, or they’ll come and unclog your gutter free of charge. Since LeafFilter’s product is just a mesh screen laid over your gutters, there have been customer reports stating that during the leaf shedding season accompanied by heavy rain, their gutters still receive a decent amount of debris build-up.

Warranty Limitations

Both LeafGuard and LeafFilter offer lifetime transferable warranties, however, they aren’t built the same. LeafGuard will repair or replace any damage caused by manufacturing errors and ordinary wear and tear. LeafFilter has a decent amount of limitations to its warranty, which could persuade people away from its product. LeafFilter won’t cover the following:

• Damage to gutters or any roof components due to the installation of gutter protectors
• Damage caused by ice dams
• Damage caused by any random acts of nature (heavy storm, trees falling, hail, etc.)

Transferable Warranty

While the warranty limitations are different between these two companies, the ability to transfer the warranty is a nice similarity they share. This allows the warranty to be passed on to a new
homeowner if you are ever to sell your home. This is an added perk to both products because they will add a little bit of value come time to sell.

Installation Process

Both LeafGuard and LeafFilters products will be professionally installed and fit your home’s specifications. While the products are different, they will both be custom measured, cut and fit to your roof on the day of installation.

BBB Rating

Regardless of the company you decide to go with, both LeafGuard and LeafFilter have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This means that both companies have a consumer-first mentality and will likely respond timely and act professionally. This is a great benefit to have especially if you will need to act on any warranty claims after installation.

Both companies offer a quality product, but LeafGuard’s is better made to withstand everything from debris build-up to excessive rainfall. A major factor in LeafGuard’s higher rating was its rain resistance capabilities. The one-piece design with larger gutters and downspouts ensures your home will never be overwhelmed by torrential downpours. On the contrary, there have been reports of LeafFilter’s gutter protectors becoming overwhelmed with heavier rain and even being susceptible to debris build-up on their mesh screens.

Both companies rank comparatively in customer reviews and BBB rating. It is hard to compare them on a pricing scale because you can’t receive an accurate price quote without having a representative examine your home. However, since LeafGuard is a complete gutter system replacement, and LeafFilter is able to integrate with a current gutter system, we can assume LeafFilter will come in at a lower price.

When considering all categories, LeafGuard edges out LeafFilter for our best gutter guard company in this face-off. Their product is superior in both quality and performance, making them our recommendation for your gutter protection needs.

Just because we recommended LeafGuard overall doesn’t mean they are the right company for every home. Each of these companies will shine in various applications. For example, LeafGuard is probably your best bet if your home doesn’t already have gutters and you know you will want gutter protection in the future. With LeafGuard you will receive the best of both worlds in terms of new gutters and gutter protection. LeafGuard also shines for homes with heavy debris downfall or extremely wet climates. Their reverse curve design is guaranteed to shed debris and their exceptional rain resistance rating can handle the wettest of climates.

Where LeafFilter would be a great option is for homes with pre-existing gutter systems. Their product is designed to fit seamlessly with any home’s existing gutters, which in turn, will likely make it the more affordable option for the budget-conscious homeowner. LeafFilter is also great for homes with average debris and rainfall, making worrying about gutter clogs a thing of the past.

You can also see our comparison on LeafFilter vs Leaf Solution for further information.