Leafguard Gutter Guards Review (2024)
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Leafguard is a top gutter guard company with more than 50 locations in the United States and more than 30 years of industry experience. After reading customer reviews and researching the product, we recommend Leafguard as an effective gutter guard product. Its all-in-one system could be a good fit for your home if you need replacement gutters in addition to gutter guards. However, it comes with a high price tag. In this Leafguard review, we’ll take a look at how Leafguard works, what its warranty covers, and who will benefit the most from a Leafguard installation.
What Did We Rate Leafguard?
We rated Leafguard against our objective review standards in key categories that homeowners consider when purchasing gutter guards. Leafguard earned 4.2 out of 5 stars. Here’s how we broke it down in each category:
- Design: Leafguard earned points in this category due to its durable one-piece system and self-cleaning reverse-curve guard design. However, this type of guard performs less well than micro-mesh screens and thus won fewer points overall.
- Customer support: Leafguard scored well in this category due to its lifetime warranty on its scratch-guard coating.
- Quote process: We gave Leafguard full points in this category because of its comprehensive quote process, financing options, and discounts.
- Services: Leafguard earned points for its reliable system installations but lost points due to its lack of additional services.
- Customer reviews: Leafguard received points in this category for an average customer review score across third-party review sites such as BBB and Trustpilot.
What Do We Think of Leafguard Gutter Guards?
After reading hundreds of customer reviews, analyzing its products, surveying 243 Leafguard customers, and combing through its generous warranty, we believe its gutter guard is effective for most homes. Its reverse-curve system prevents debris from entering gutter systems by pushing aside leaves, pine needles, and other materials. Even negative reviews note that Leafguard keeps debris out of their gutters.
However, many customers indicate overflow issues with steeply pitched roofs. Leafguard’s system is also expensive because it involves replacing your entire gutter system.
Pros
- Installs a highly durable reverse-curve gutter guard
- Offers a transferable lifetime warranty
- Provides a no-clog guarantee
Cons
- May experience overspilling in roof valleys and ice dams in winter
- Charges higher-than-average prices
What We Think Sets Leafguard Apart
Leafguard succeeds thanks to its self-cleaning and filtration system. Unlike many other guards that feature a flat filter that blocks debris from entering your gutters, Leafguard uses a curved design to force debris off onto the ground. It uses the scientific principles of liquid adhesion and surface tension to self-clean, making it one of the most efficient gutter guards for preventing material buildup.
Leafguard’s ability to filter debris is impressive. Its system uses a small opening along the front of the guard that admits water but is too small for sizable plant matter to penetrate. Responses indicate that Leafguard is effective in blocking most debris, including leaves, pine needles, twigs, and seedpods.
What Are the Downsides of Leafguard?
After researching Leafguard’s system, we suspect that it experiences issues with heavy water flow along parts of the roofline. We read multiple reviews that mention this; for example, Lili’s review notes that their system overflows in roof valleys where water collects during heavy rainfall.
We contacted Leafguard to ask about its system’s ability to handle large amounts of water. It stated that its guards are built to withstand heavy rainfall and are guaranteed not to overflow. Positive customer responses corroborate this.
We concluded that Leafguard’s system can likely handle rainfall in most regions, but homes in rainy areas or homes with overly steep roof valleys may experience overflows.
How Much Do Leafguard Gutter Guards Cost?
Estimating the cost of a professional gutter guard system is difficult because numerous factors, such as your home’s size, roof slope, total length of guttering, and surrounding landscape, impact the cost of gutter guard installation.
Leafguard, like most home improvement companies, doesn’t provide quotes without an at-home inspection. To estimate how much you can expect to pay for a Leafguard system, we conducted a survey of 243 Leafguard customers, and the results showed an average cost of $5,200 for a 200 linear-foot Leafguard system. The average cost per linear foot is $26.50 with a range of $20-$45 per linear foot. Based on these findings and the higher prices reported in customer reviews, we estimate that the typical cost range for a Leafguard system will be between $4,000 and $10,000. Leafguard’s financing page supports this, as customers must purchase a system valued at $7,883 to qualify for financing.
The price of Leafguard may seem high, especially when compared to other gutter guard brands. However, note that Leafguard is a one-piece system that includes new gutters in the installation. Accounting for the installation of a new gutter system brings Leafguard more in line with the industry standard for professionally installed gutter guard products such as LeafFilter. We recommend requesting a free quote from Leafguard for an accurate price for gutter guard installation at your home.
What Are Customers Saying About Leafguard?
Leafguard holds an A+ rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Leafguard’s reviews are mixed across independent review sites. Its BBB page has more than 150 customer reviews with an average rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars. Its Trustpilot page features 41 reviews with a rating of 2.1 out of 5 stars. This sentiment isn’t reflected by our survey respondents: 75% of Leafguard customers were satisfied or very satisfied with the performance of their gutter guards.
Across both BBB and Trustpilot, positive reviews praise the professionalism of Leafguard’s staff and the performance of its guards. This review we read from Larry highlights the courteousness of Leafguard’s staff and praises the thorough cleanup of the installation team. Many reviews also note that Leafguard’s technicians get the job done promptly.
Negative reviews most often focus on expensive costs and high-pressure sales tactics. For example, this review from Steve expresses dissatisfaction with how Leafguard presents its product and its competitors’ products. Other reviews claim that Leafguard’s performance doesn’t merit the system’s higher-than-average price.
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
What does Reddit Think About Leafguard?
Reddit has mixed opinions on Leafguard. Some users have praised the easy installation process, and the professionalism of Leafguard’s installation team. They also mention that Leafguard can be a particularly good choice for areas with a lot of trees, which can be difficult for traditional gutters. Redditors agree that Leafguard reduces gutter maintenence, stating that “The guards are not maintenance free but much easier to clean.”
However some other users lament the price of Leafguard, and feel it would have been more cost effective to pay for gutter cleanings, even if they needed to do so more often as a result of not having a gutter guard. Users also noted that in areas with heavy pine needles or other small debris, Leafguard gutter guards can need more regular cleaning.
How Does Leafguard Compare to Other Gutter Protection Systems?
Leafguard stands out thanks to its unique design. Its reverse-curve design is more durable than many other gutter guard systems and features superior self-cleaning. However, micro-mesh gutter guards are better equipped to filter water and block small particles such as shingle grit. Review the table below to compare Leafguard to LeafFilter as well as to our other top-recommended gutter guards. Our LeafFilter review page will provide additional comparison factors.
Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Price Range | Warranty | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LeafFilterGet Quote | A+ | $15 to $45 per linear foot | Lifetime transferable | Get Quote | ||
LeafguardGet Quote | A+ | $11-$37 per linear foot | Lifetime transferable | Get Quote | ||
Gutter Guards AmericaRead Our Review | A+ | $7.50–$10/foot | Lifetime transferable | Read Our Review | ||
HomeCraft Gutter ProtectionRead Our Review | B | $4.50-$7.75 per linear foot | Lifetime transferable | Read Our Review | ||
All American Gutter ProtectionRead Our Review | A | $15-$20 per linear foot | Lifetime transferable | Read Our Review |
How Leafguard Compares to DIY Alternatives
We installed and tested a dozen DIY gutter guards as part of our review process. Our testing yielded mixed results. Some DIY brands performed well. For example, the Raptor micro-mesh gutter guard was easy to install and filtered out large and small debris. Other DIY products performed poorly.
Because Leafguard is professionally installed, we believe it’s of higher quality than DIY guards. Its reverse-curve design, thick aluminum gutters, and scratch-proof coating offer a long-lasting solution. Leafguard provides a better warranty than any DIY guard thanks to its clog-free guarantee and a lifetime warranty on its coating.
How Does Leafguard Work?
Leafguard uses a patented one-piece gutter guard system composed of seamless aluminum rain gutters, structurally reinforced hidden hangers, and a durable gutter helmet. Leafguard’s system is custom-fitted to your home by trained service technicians, with extra wide downspouts positioned every ten feet.
The Leafguard gutter protection system is covered in a scratch guard coating, which extends the lifetime of the materials and provides another layer of protection. This scratch-proof paint finish is designed to prevent scratching, chipping, and other damage.
Leafguard gutter guards are designed to handle more than 32 inches of rain per hour, nearly three times the record for most rainfall in one hour. Leafguard’s system uses the scientific principles of liquid adhesion and surface tension to self-clean. As water is pulled over the front of the guard and funneled through the small opening, it adheres to the guard’s surface. As the water carries debris from your roof shingles down and over the guard, the small gap prevents it from entering your gutters and pushes it off to the ground.
Quick Tip
- Leafguard is an all-in-one system, so you’ll need to replace your current gutters if you want to have it installed. This makes it a great fit for homeowners with old gutters at the end of their lifespan. You get gutter replacement included in your gutter guard purchase.
How Easy Is Leafguard To Clean?
Many gutter guard companies claim you’ll never need to clean your guards post-installation, but this isn’t true. No gutter guard can completely replace the need for regular gutter cleaning. That said, Leafguard’s reverse-curve system requires little cleaning due to its ability to push debris onto the ground.
Leafguard provides detailed instructions on how to clean its system on its warranty page. According to Leafguard, you should use a garden hose and soft bristle brush with a solution of one-third cup of detergent per one gallon of water to remove dirt, leaves, and debris.
- If your home is located in a climate that experiences corrosive conditions (such as soot or sea spray), Leafguard recommends using a solution of one-third cup of detergent (such as Tide), two-thirds cup of Soilax, one quart of liquid bleach (such as Clorox), and three quarts of water. This solution allows you to remove grime without harming the scratch guard coating.
What Does Leafguard’s Warranty Cover?
Leafguard offers its customers two forms of financial protection: a no-clog guarantee and a lifetime transferable warranty on its coating. The no-clog guarantee promises that if your system ever clogs, Leafguard will clean it for free.
Leafguard’s warranty covers the performance and longevity of its scratch guard coating. The warranty states that Leafguard’s finish will never: “blister, flake, chip, crack, peel, split, rot, red rust, or structurally deteriorate as a direct result of manufacturing defects, under ordinary wear conditions, if installed to Englert specifications and provided that the cleaning methods as described on the other side of the Warranty have been fully followed.”
If the scratch guard coating is damaged and the damage falls within the above warranty conditions, Leafguard promises to “pay 100% of the cost of repainting, repairing, or otherwise replacing the defective aluminum Leafguard® with Scratchguard® gutters or gutter accessories.”
Unlike many other gutter guard companies, Leafguard hosts its warranty terms and conditions on its website. As with most warranties, its conditions are numerous and complex. We read the warranty in detail and noted that your warranty will be void in the following circumstances:
- The damage is caused by forces or conditions that go beyond standard wear and tear, such as faulty or improper installation, normal weathering, oxidation, exposure to corrosive atmospheric conditions such as “sea air,” mold and mildew, unreasonable use, crazing or cracking of the paint surface due to field forming in cold temperatures, misuse, physical abuse, accidental damage, vandalism, use of incompatible accessories, fire, flood, earthquake, lightning, radiation, ice or windstorms, hail or other acts of God, wind-borne objects, building settlement, structural failures, or the use of harmful cleaning compounds and pesticides.
- The damage is the result of a lack of proper owner maintenance and cleaning, especially in environments that cause materials to corrode more quickly.
- You don’t report the defect within 45 days of discovering it.
What is the Installation Process for Leafguard?
Leafguard’s one-piece gutter system can only be installed by a trained technician, and Leafguard schedules an at-home inspection before providing pricing information. You can expect the following quote and installation process:
1. Contact Leafguard
Contact Leafguard by calling or filling out an online form on its website. You’ll talk to a customer service representative who will schedule an inspection for a free quote.
2. Gutter assessment
On the day of your inspection, a sales representative will arrive at your home to assess your existing gutter system. They’ll inspect your gutters, roof, and home, looking for anything that could impact the cost of your gutter guard installation. Once completed, your sales representative will generate a quote, explain how the Leafguard gutter system works, and answer any questions.
3. Schedule installation
If you agree to the price, the representative will schedule an installation date. On that day, a professional crew of technicians will arrive at your home. They’ll disassemble your old gutters and dispose of them. Then, they’ll measure, cut, and install your new gutters with an on-site roll-forming machine. These gutters come with the guards already attached as a one-piece system.
4. Gutter installation
Once the gutters are rolled, the team inserts Leafguard’s patented hangers two feet apart for maximum stability, and the system is connected to your fascia board. The installers measure each gutter’s pitch to ensure efficient water flow and attach downspouts.
5. Debris removal
After your gutter and guard system is installed, the team removes all equipment and debris from your property, shows you photos of the completed job, and answers any questions you may have before departing.
Is Leafguard Worth the Cost?
We believe that Leafguard is an excellent option for homeowners who need to replace their gutters and want long-lasting protection from debris buildup. It is also recommended for homeowners who constantly deal with large debris clogging their gutters and want to avoid paying for frequent gutter cleaning. However, if you have a strict budget, Leafguard may not be the best fit for you.
FAQ About Leafguard Gutter Guards
Can you install Leafguard on existing gutters?
No, you can’t install Leafguard on existing gutters. Leafguard’s one-piece system replaces your existing gutter system.
Can Leafguard handle heavy rain?
Leafguard claims that it’s rated to handle heavy rainfall of up to 32 inches of rain per hour. However, customer reviews indicate that homes with steep roof valleys may experience overflows.
What is the downside of Leafguard?
The main downside of Leafguard is that it’s an expensive system that can overflow in certain conditions. Some customer reviews indicate occasional issues with freezing and ice dams. However, these issues are common across most gutter guard brands in cold climates.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Team backs up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We reinforce this research with thorough firsthand product testing, assessing each gutter guard’s durability, quality, filtration, and cleanability. To date, we’ve tested more than a dozen professionally installed and DIY gutter guard products. We then score each provider against our review standards for gutter guard design, customer support, the quote process, services, and reviews to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.