LeafFilter isn’t cheap, but for most homeowners, it’s worth the investment. Unlike basic screens that still let in small debris, LeafFilter uses a three-piece micro-mesh system that blocks everything from pine needles to shingle grit—without restricting water flow.
Most homeowners will pay between $3,000 and $7,000 for installation, making it one of the pricier options, but it comes with a lifetime transferable warranty and a design that won’t clog or degrade over time. Another big advantage is that LeafFilter installs directly onto your existing gutters, meaning you don’t need a full gutter replacement.
This review breaks down LeafFilter’s cost, performance, and customer feedback so you can decide if it’s the best gutter guard for your home.
Our Review of LeafFilter
I’ve handled just about every type of gutter guard you can think of—cheap plastic screens that sag after a season, metal mesh that clogs with shingle grit, and foam inserts that turn into a breeding ground for mold. LeafFilter is one of the few systems I actually trust to hold up long-term.
What makes it different? It’s not just a mesh cover slapped on top of your gutters. The stainless steel micro-mesh is fine enough to block pine needles and roof grit, but it’s supported by a rigid frame and a uPVC backing that keeps it from collapsing or warping over time. Most cheap gutter guards fail because they either let in too much debris or block water flow—LeafFilter manages to do both jobs right.
Another thing I appreciate is how well it integrates with existing gutters. Unlike some high-end systems that require you to replace your gutters entirely, LeafFilter works with what you already have—assuming your gutters are still in good shape. That makes it a more cost-effective solution than full-system replacements like LeafGuard.
Of course, it’s not the cheapest option. But after years of seeing homeowners throw money at budget guards that clog, fall apart, or need constant maintenance, I can say that going cheap usually means paying twice. If you’re serious about keeping your gutters clean without climbing a ladder twice a year, LeafFilter is one of the best long-term solutions out there.
Pros & Cons of LeafFilter
Here are the high-level pros and cons of LeafFilter. Keep these points in mind as you read the rest of the full review.
Pros
- The 275-micron stainless steel mesh protects against even the smallest debris particles
- Professional, trained technicians perform installations
- All LeafFilter gutter guards come with a lifetime warranty that’s transferrable
- During the inspection or installation, if LeafFilter gutter guards don’t fit properly, the technicians are trained to install new, properly fitting gutters
- Natural pitch helps debris fall from the roof, keeping gutters clog-free
Cons
- LeafFilter gutter guards require a professional to install
- Two- and three-story homes have a much higher cost per linear foot
What I Like
LeafFilter’s product proved effective during our testing process. This quality was reflected in its overall positive customer reviews, breadth of services, and lifetime, transferable warranty.
During testing, LeafFilter blocked the majority of the debris we used to simulate gutter performance, including tree leaves, pine needles, shingle grit, seedpods and twigs. We applied water at varying intensities to simulate rainfall, tested its filtration, noted how much water the system could filter before overflowing, and checked the filter to see if any debris remained on top or had entered the system.
We found that LeafFilter’s filtration, durability, and cleanability met expectations—it kept out almost all debris while allowing efficient water passage.
“Leaves, pine needles, shingle grit, oak tassels, maple seeds are all filtered by LeafFilter gutter protection — anything big enough to clog your gutters,” said Thomas Czerny, LeafFilter’s director of product development. “Gutter protection will stop accumulation in your gutter that could clog your gutter system or downspouts and require manual cleaning.”
At the time of writing, LeafFilter has overall positive reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. Our team also surveyed just under 200 LeafFilter customers, and only two reported dissatisfaction with its performance. Many highlighted skilled and professional gutter repair, installation, and cleaning services.
In addition, I reviewed LeafFilter’s warranty and found it to be one of the more generous warranties offered in the industry. If your gutters ever clog, the company will fully replace the system or refund the material purchase price. The warranty is transferable and lasts for the life of your home.
What I Don’t Like
LeafFilter’s main downside is the moderate-to-high price tag. Like most gutter guard companies, LeafFilter doesn’t list pricing information on its website and requires an at-home inspection before offering a quote. Also, some customer reviews indicate persistent sales tactics.
To find price data, our team surveyed 1,500 customers of five national gutter guard brands. According to the results, the average price for a 200-linear-foot gutter guard system from LeafFilter is nearly $4,500, a price slightly higher than the average of other brands we surveyed.
The final issue I found with LeafFilter is its advertising is slightly misleading. Its promotional material implies that you’ll never need to clean your gutter system again after its professionals install the guards. While LeafFilter reduces the difficulty and frequency of gutter cleaning, no gutter system can completely remove the need for regular gutter maintenance.
Where Are LeafFilter Gutter Guards Available?
Most homeowners in the United States can purchase LeafFilter gutter guards—they’re available in 47 states. The brand doesn’t operate in Alaska, Hawaii, and South Dakota. Unfortunately, if you’re in one of these states, you must go with another gutter guard company.
How Do LeafFilter Gutter Guards Work?
LeafFilter sells one type of gutter cover: its 275-micron stainless steel micro-mesh guard. It uses a sealed three-part system to direct debris away from the gutter interior. Hidden structural hangers attached directly to the home’s fascia support the unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) frame, which in turn supports the extra-fine mesh. The sealed system makes the gutter guards extremely durable and resistant to damage.
LeafFilter’s professional installers install the guards with a built-in pitch, so as debris falls onto the guards, the surface tension carries materials right onto the ground. When tested, our team found the guards durable, long-lasting, and effective in repelling most dirt, shingle granules, pine needles, leaves, and other plant matter. Only tiny dirt particles were able to get through the mesh screen. They require minimal maintenance.
Homeowners in almost all types of climates and locations could stand to benefit from LeafFilter gutter guards. They’re even effective in areas with large amounts of foliage, especially on homes near deciduous and evergreen trees.
Our survey results confirmed our test results. Respondents were asked about the guard’s ability to filter out debris—only one customer expressed dissatisfaction with its ability to prevent buildup.
However, like most micro-mesh guards, LeafFilter’s gutter guards can overflow in heavy downpours and freeze during harsh winters. If you live in a wet climate or experience cold winters, invest in extra wide gutters (6 inches or larger) or heating elements, such as heat tape, to compensate for these issues.
Watch the video below for a visual demonstration of how LeafFilter guards work to keep your gutter free of leaves, dirt, and debris.
What Makes LeafFilter Unique?
Homeowners have several types of gutter guards to choose from, but there are a few points that make LeafFilter’s product unique:
- 275-Micron stainless steel micro-mesh screen: Water flows into your gutters while this screen keeps everything else out, including pine needles and shingle grit. Made from surgical-grade stainless steel, it’ll never rust.
- Durable uPVC frame: This structure supports the screen and is positioned at an angled pitch so most debris falls off your gutter rather than sitting on top of the screen.
- Structural hangers: LeafFilter installation specialists use custom, hidden structural hangers that attach directly to a roof’s fascia board.
Compare LeafFilter to Its Top Competitors
Comparing the best gutter guard companies is a great way to determine the best choice for your home. The table below shows how LeafFilter stacks up to its industry rivals:
| Company | Star Rating | Our Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| LeafFilter | 4.1 | Best Professional Installation & Cost |
| HomeCraft Gutter Protection | 4.4 | Best-Designed Gutter Guards |
| All American Gutter Protection | 4.1 | Best Performance Warranty |
| LeafGuard | 3.5 | Most Durable |
Read More: LeafFilter Vs. LeafGuard Review
Does LeafFilter Offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty?
According to a Today’s Homeowner survey of 1,002 homeowners, 76% found warranty length and depth to be major factors in choosing the right gutter guard. Thankfully, LeafFilter’s transferable, lifetime warranty is one of its most impressive features.
The warranty promises LeafFilter will replace your system or refund you “100% of the material purchase price for ALL LeafFilter materials installed on your home” if the system ever clogs.
“Having us stand behind our warranty will ensure that whatever happens with your gutter system, we’ll be there to take care of you not only now in the future,” Czerny said. “Buying a DIY solution, no one will come out to your house and help you with your manufacturer’s warranty.”
However, the warranty could be considered void if the LeafFilter product:
- Is damaged by trees or plants, structural changes, or uncontrolled acts of nature (such as intense weather, storms, ice, hail, etc.)
- Was modified or altered from its original installation
- Experienced overflow due to an insufficient number of downspouts
The warranty also doesn’t cover “damage to gutters, fascia boards, or roof substrate or surface caused by the installation of LeafFilter products.”
Ultimately, LeafFilter’s warranty is well above the industry standard for gutter guards. Many in this industry don’t offer warranties, and those that do typically offer shorter and more restrictive terms. The fact that LeafFilter’s warranty lasts the lifetime of the home and offers to replace or refund the whole system speaks volumes, showing that the company genuinely believes in its product.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
What Other Services Does LeafFilter Offer?
LeafFilter offers multiple services alongside standard installation, such as:
- Free inspections: LeafFilter professionals identify any issues with your gutters, including damage or misalignment.
- Gutter cleaning: Technicians remove debris, grime, and particles from your gutters.
- Repairs: LeafFilter will repair any broken areas of your gutters, along with standard maintenance like realignment.
- Applying sealant: If an installer finds any gaps or cracks, they’ll use a waterproof silicone sealant to repair them.
LeafFilter’s service offerings are relatively standard in the industry. Most other gutter guard companies offer free inspections and cleaning during installation. However, replacing broken sections and performing readjustments are above what most other companies provide.
What Is LeafFilter’s Installation Process?
The first thing you need to know about the LeafFilter process is that it’s not a DIY project. It requires a professional installer. To start, you need to contact LeafFilter online or over the phone and schedule a free, on-site inspection and estimate. During the appointment, the sales representative will measure the lengths of your gutters to make sure they’re a good fit for LeafFilter’s gutter guards, check them for damage, and generate a quote based on the home’s specific needs.
“For a gutter protection consultation, we’d first evaluate the customer’s areas of concern,” said Jason Crowell, LeafFilter’s director of engineering. “We’d also inspect for damage, tree cover, high flow areas and overall condition of their gutters.”
One theme I noticed while reading reviews is that customers often needed to haggle on the quoted price. One Trustpilot review compared the sales experience to shopping for a used car.
If you accept the quote, you’ll schedule an installation appointment. Appointments are usually available in just a few days and some customers have even claimed that professional technicians were available for next-day installations. The technicians will clean and repair your gutters before installing the LeafFilter gutter guards. They’re also available to answer any questions you have. The entire process typically takes anywhere from a few hours to a full workday, depending on the project size and number of repairs needed.
“Expect pictures and/or communication during the process,” Czerny said. “You should know the date, the installer, how the work was completed, plus a walkaround or inspection. Have them show you the quality of the job and that you’re happy with, and who to reach out to if you have questions.”
Once your new gutter guards are in place, register your warranty through the LeafFilter website.
Here is a quick video going over more details on how LeafFilter conducts its inspections and generates its quotes:
How Much Do LeafFilter Gutter Guards Cost?
The exact cost of LeafFilter installation depends on numerous factors, such as location, home size, gutter damage, roof pitch, and more. On average, LeafFilter costs between $15 to $45 per linear foot, totaling between $3,000 and $7,000 for most homeowners. While this cost is higher than some competitors, trained professionals install the LeafFilter gutter guards, so this price includes the cost of labor and materials for your project.
Like most service-oriented companies, LeafFilter doesn’t include direct pricing information on its website. Instead, it requires an in-person inspection before generating a personal quote. These initial estimates are negotiable, with online customer reviews crediting LeafFilter sales representatives for their flexibility. Furthermore, the brand’s pricing model accounts for negotiation and discounts on the initial quote. Some of the more common discounts reported by customers include 10% off for military and senior homeowners.
What Is the LeafFilter Gutter Guard Estimate Process?
To get a free estimate from LeafFilter, fill out an online form. Once you connect with a representative, you’ll schedule a time for a technician to come out and provide a free, no-obligation estimate. Once the appointment is scheduled, the process proceeds as follows:
- Verify: The LeafFilter technician will verify the size and type of your gutters to ensure they’re compatible with LeafFilter gutter guards.
- Generate quote: The technician will then inspect your gutter system to determine the cost of your job, looking out for cost factors like:
- Gutter length
- Damage
- Debris
- Apply discounts: The technician will apply all available discounts to your quotes total, creating the best possible deal for your installation. Some quotes include 10% off for seniors and military personnel.
- Quote overview and payment plan selection: The technician will then review the quote with you, explaining the price, expected job completion time, and financing options while answering any questions.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Do LeafFilter Gutter Guards Save You Money?
While LeafFilter gutter guards have a moderate up-front cost, they’ll save you more money in the long run. They reduce the amount of debris that can enter your gutters while also protecting the top of the gutters from impacts.
With less debris entering the gutter system, you drastically reduce future cleaning time and costs. You also lower the chance of pests entering your system, potentially decreasing pest control expenses.
The biggest cost-saving factor of LeafFilter gutter guards is the money they’ll save you on gutter repair and replacement. When debris makes its way into your gutter system, it creates clogs. Over time, these clogs add weight and pressure to your system, weakening connections and dragging down hangers. The cost to install a new gutter system can be quite high.
Additionally, some types of plant matter (specifically the pollen from certain trees) release acidic compounds, drastically accelerating erosion. LeafFilter gutter guards put a stop to all this, keeping this damaging material out, extending the life of your gutters, and saving on repair costs.
Will LeafFilter Gutter Guards Eliminate the Need for Gutter Cleaning?
LeafFilter, like all gutter protection systems, can never completely eliminate the need for gutter cleaning. Unfortunately, all systems will slowly collect small bits of debris over time that need to be removed. Some gutter guards collect more than others. For example, bristle or brush guards act like a filter and grab debris as it passes.
LeafFilter uses a micro-mesh, stainless steel barrier combined with the surface tension of flowing water to repel and redirect debris, keeping the gutter’s interior and the guard itself clean. Material can collect on top of the guard, especially on dry days, but homeowners can easily brush or wash it off.
I recommend checking your gutters twice a year, especially at the end of the spring and fall seasons. If you spot any material on top of your gutter guards, clean it off with a garden hose or leaf blower.
However, keep in mind that since the system is completely sealed, you’ll need a LeafFilter technician to repair it if anything goes wrong. For example, if a hailstorm or falling tree limb punctures or dislodges the micro-mesh screen, don’t attempt to dismantle the product and repair it yourself, as this will void the warranty.
Without gutter guards, homeowners should always check their gutters twice or more per year, shoveling out plant matter from within their gutter system. This process is difficult, dirty, and time-consuming, typically requiring a gutter scoop, brush, hose, and other tools. Using gutter guards like LeafFilter greatly reduces the time and effort of cleaning gutters.
Maintaining and Cleaning Gutters With LeafFilter
FEMA mitigation experts recommend installing leaf guards on your gutters to minimize debris buildup, which can protect your home’s structure against future disasters.
The LeafFilter gutter guard system is very low maintenance and requires minimal cleanup. You won’t have to clean any debris out of the gutters themselves and you can simply use a blower or your hand to occasionally clean off the top of the guard. Plus, the rust and corrosion-free design lowers the chance of maintenance-related issues.
LeafFilter Customer Reviews
LeafFilter has an A+ rating from the BBB and full accreditation as of this writing. Its customer score is 3.69 out of five stars with over 6,900 reviews, and it has a 100% response rate to complaints. On Trustpilot, the brand has 4.3 stars and more than 126,000 reviews—82% of which are 4- or 5-star reviews.
I read more than 100 recent customer reviews and noted consistent themes: Customers praise LeafFilter’s gutter guard for its effectiveness and employee professionalism. One positive review praised the politeness, knowledge, and professionalism of LeafFilter’s salesperson and installers, who were on time and explained the process in detail during installation. Another review noted the installers’ efficiency, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
Critical reviews cite LeafFilter’s high cost, occasional poor installation quality, inconsistent job cleanup, and poor scheduling. One mentioned that they had a morning installation appointment scheduled, but the installers didn’t arrive until 5:30 p.m. Another customer found loose screws around the roof, yard and driveway after the installation.
Here are a few examples of customer testimonials and criticism from the BBB reviews page:
Some of the more common complaints are:
So, Are LeafFilter Gutter Guards Worth It?
LeafFilter’s micro-mesh filter, when combined with the uPVC frame, creates a sturdy, long-lasting barrier of protection that keeps everything from branches, leaves, and pests to pollen, twigs, and shingle granules out of gutters. During our testing, the gutter guard proved to be durable and offer excellent filtration, and customer reviews back up these findings.
Overall, LeafFilter offers a great product that helps prevent the buildup of nasty gutter-clogging material. While its products are slightly more expensive than those of other companies, the brand’s proven quality of service and strong performance more than compensate for this. I recommend reaching out to LeafFilter to schedule your free quote to learn more about how you can benefit.
FAQs About LeafFilter
The price of your LeafFilter system will vary depending on the size of your home, how many levels your home has, and a host of other factors. On average, you can expect to pay between $15 and $45 per linear foot and expect a total bill around $2,600 to $4,500.
No, only trailed professionals can install LeafFilter gutter guards.
Yes, LeafFilter can install gutters. If your existing gutters are incompatible with the LeafFilter, its team will install new gutters.
Yes, LeafFilter cleans and aligns all gutters before installation.
LeaFilter’s headquarters is in Hudson, Ohio.
Methodology: How We Ranked LeafFilter Among Gutter Guard Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our gutter guard ratings emphasize what matters most to you — keeping your gutters debris-free for years to come.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with former and current home improvement experts.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories, converted to a five-star scale. We researched and analyzed over 50 gutter guards and developed the following formula:
- Product Overview (15 points): Micro-mesh gutter guards are the best on the market. They screen even the smallest debris from your gutters and typically have the structural integrity to withstand heavy rainfall and accumulated debris from trees and surrounding foliage. We also curated a rating based on customer testimonials and our in-house testing to determine debris resistance. Guards with multiple color and sizing options also rated well in this category.
- Services Offered (35 points): Gutter guard providers who offer a full range of services are rated highly here—gutter installation and removal, complimentary maintenance, and more factored into this rating.
- Affordability (15 points): Though getting cost estimates for gutter guards typically require home visits, we ranked companies based on factors such as discount and financing programs, multiple easy payment options, and the increased value of complimentary maintenance.
- Warranties (10 points): A company that stands behind its products and services will offer material and workmanship warranties. We evaluated companies based on how comprehensive these warranties are.
- Customer Service (10 points): We considered customer service availability and ease of communication.
- Company Reputation (15 points): We looked into each company’s service record to determine how they treated clients and how they responded to customer complaints. Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and complaint response rate were our primary metrics for this category.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
