LeafFilter Review (Tested by Our Team)
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If you search for gutter guards online, one of the first companies you’ll find is LeafFilter Gutter Protection. LeafFilter operates in 48 states (not available in Alaska or Hawaii), has more than 126,000 reviews on Trustpilot, and is one of the most well-known brands in the gutter guard industry.
To see if LeafFilter lives up to its reputation, we thoroughly tested a floor model of its product in heavy debris and rainfall conditions. We also surveyed 129 LeafFilter customers, read hundreds of customer reviews, spoke to real homeowners who have LeafFilter installed, and analyzed its warranty and service offerings.
After testing LeafFilter’s gutter protection system, we found that it performs as advertised. Its customer reviews are among the best we’ve seen, and our survey results reflect overall positive consumer sentiment. We recommend LeafFilter as one of the best gutter guards on the market and believe it’s worth the cost for most homeowners. This professional gutter guard installer is a good choice for preventing debris buildup in your gutters and simplifying regular gutter cleaning. In the guide below, we’ll share our findings to help you decide whether LeafFilter is the right system for your home.
Pros and Cons
Here are the upsides and downsides of LeafFilter:
Pros
- Uses a 275-micron stainless steel micro-mesh screen that blocked more than 90% of debris during testing
- Has the highest average customer review score of any national gutter guard brand
- Offers a lifetime transferable warranty, unlike many gutter guard companies that offer vague “no-clog guarantees”
Cons
- Has customer reviews that indicate aggressive sales tactics
- Doesn’t offer services such as gutter repair and cleaning outside of the purchase of a new gutter or gutter guard system
Fast Facts
Our rating: 4.7
Average cost: $5,528
Warranty: Lifetime transferable
Type: Stainless steel micro-mesh with uPVC frame
Financing: Yes
State availability: 48
Our Take on LeafFilter
We’re impressed by the effectiveness of LeafFilter’s gutter guards. The company provided us with a floor model of its gutter guard system to test firsthand. Its micro-mesh screen and uPVC frame blocked various types of debris while efficiently filtering water through its aluminum gutters. The only materials that managed to penetrate the filter were small dirt particles. The system filtered downpour levels of water and was easy to clean. Overall, LeafFilter performed as advertised.
We also like LeafFilter’s warranty. It lasts for the lifetime of your home and is transferable to new owners, making it one of the most generous gutter guard warranties we’ve seen. LeafFilter will refund the entire material cost of your system if it overflows or causes water damage due to manufacturer error. Most gutter guard companies only offer vague “no-clog guarantees.”
While we like the quality of LeafFilter’s product, the company falls short in two major areas: its sales tactics and its product’s susceptibility to ice dams. Customers online frequently mention aggressive sales tactics. The main complaint is that sales reps quote extremely high prices only to drop them after negotiation.
LeafFilter, like many gutter guards, can make your gutters more susceptible to ice dams. Ice dams form when your gutters freeze over and produce large dam-like clogs. LeafFilter’s mesh frame and other components provide more areas for moisture to become trapped and build up. When combined with issues like poor attic ventilation, LeafFilter’s gutter guards can cause ice dams to form on your gutter system. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or cold winters, we recommend installing products such as heat tape and making sure your attic is properly ventilated to avoid this issue.
We Recommend LeafFilter If You:
- Want a high-end gutter guard and don’t mind paying top-dollar
- Suffer from pine needles clogging your gutter system
- Are looking for a gutter guard that’s extremely easy to clean
We Don’t Recommend LeafFilter If You:
- Are shopping for a low-cost system
- Want a company that offers gutter cleaning or repair services post-installation
LeafFilter Overview
Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about LeafFilter’s cost, warranty, product details, and services.
Cost
According to our research and survey responses, the average cost of a 200-foot LeafFilter system is $5,528, or roughly $28 per linear foot. We surveyed 129 LeafFilter customers and asked how much they paid for their installation to determine this average. In addition to our survey, we also analyzed customer reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We noted any reviews that mentioned price and recorded the total linear feet of their gutter systems if mentioned, finding that customers cited prices in line with our survey results.
LeafFilter’s price is in line with the industry average cost of professional gutter guard installation, which is $4,000–$6,000. Other gutter guard brands such as HomeCraft, Gutter Guards America, and All American Gutter Protection cost between $5,200 and $6,300, according to our survey results, putting LeafFilter squarely in the middle. LeafGuard, another high-end brand, charges up to $10,000 for its gutter guard system, according to customer reviews. However, keep in mind that LeafGuard is an all-in-one system that comes bundled with a seamless aluminum gutter, which helps account for its higher-than-average price tag.
Note that all of these figures are estimates. Every gutter installation is different, and factors such as your home’s height, your gutter system’s current condition and total length, and even your landscaping can affect the cost of your gutter guard installation. To get an accurate estimate, contact LeafFilter to schedule a free inspection.
Financing
LeafFilter offers financing through Wells Fargo at 0% APR for 24 months with a purchase of $1,000 or more.
Warranty
We read LeafFilter’s entire warranty and found it to be generous, especially compared to other gutter guard providers. Most gutter guard companies offer a no-clog guarantee, which is a loose agreement that promises the company will clean or repair the system in the event of clogging. Few companies provide warranties that offer tangible financial protection. LeafFilters warranty promises to repair, replace, or refund the system if it clogs and overflows.
Fine Print
After reading the warranty, we found several major exclusions you should be aware of:
- The warranty doesn’t cover damage to gutters, fascia boards, roof substrates, or surfaces caused by the installation of LeafFilter products.
- The warranty is void if the LeafFilter product sustains damage from structural changes, adjacent trees or plant life, or an uncontrollable act of nature.
- The warranty is void if the product is modified or altered from its original installation or if any willful action is taken to impede or restrict the flow of water through the gutter system.
- An improper number of downspouts may limit the water-carrying capacity of the gutter system, and the resulting overflow is not covered by the warranty.
Materials
LeafFilter uses a patented three-piece system comprising a screen, a frame, and hidden hangers.
Screen
LeafFilter’s screen is made from surgical-grade stainless steel woven into a 275-micron micro-mesh. A micron is a unit of measurement that’s 1 millionth of a meter or 39 millionths of an inch. For context, a human hair is between 10 and 100 microns in diameter. As its name suggests, surgical-grade steel is the same material used in biomedical applications.
Essentially, LeafFilter’s screen uses a corrosion-resistant, high-grade metal that will last for 20 years or more and withstand frequent moisture. The fineness of its screen means that it will be able to filter out extremely small debris, such as shingle grit and pollen. During our testing, we confirmed that its screen was well constructed and blocked small debris.
Frame and Hangers
LeafFilter’s screen is set with a uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) frame and supported by a series of hidden hangers. We’re not a fan of its uPVC frame since uPVC doesn’t last as long as materials like stainless steel or aluminum and is less durable overall. While stainless steel and aluminum last at least 20 years, uPVC lasts an average of 10–25 years.
After reading through LeafFilter’s website, we couldn’t find information on its hidden hangers’ material composition. However, after inspecting them firsthand, we suspect the hangers are made from aluminum or stainless steel.
Additional Services
LeafFilter offers seamless aluminum gutter installations, downspout replacement, and gutter cleaning and repair. However, it only provides these services alongside gutter or gutter guard installations. This means it won’t offer these services after you purchase your system.
LeafFilter’s service selection is in line with most other companies in the industry. Some gutter guard providers double as full gutter companies and offer a suite of services available at any time, such as Gutter Guards America. However, many companies only offer gutter or gutter guard installation services.
Our Testing Insights
When testing LeafFilter’s gutter guard system, we applied an assortment of debris to the guard and the roof shingles above it, including deciduous tree leaves, pine needles, twigs, pine cones, and shingle grit. The filter blocked all the debris other than minute dirt particles.
We applied water to the system at varying speeds to see if it could withstand heavy rain without overflowing. The system performed well, overflowing only in extreme downpour conditions and pushing most debris to the ground. Some material remained on the guard despite LeafFilter’s built-in pitch, including pine needles and small tree leaves. What material remained was easy to clean.
We used a brush, gloved hands, and direct water application to remove debris from the system. We noted that 70% of the debris was removed by LeafFilter’s self-cleaning capabilities during our water passage and cleanability tests; we removed the remaining 30% with a light brushing. We concluded that a LeafFilter system could be cleaned from a ladder with a garden hose or brush attached to an extendable pole or wand. LeafFilter was one of the easiest systems to clean out of the dozen products we tested.
Quote and Installation Process
LeafFilter’s gutter guard system can only be installed by a trained LeafFilter technician. The company doesn’t sell its guards as a DIY product. LeafFilter’s quote and installation process is quick and easy. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when you sign up for LeafFilter gutter guard installation:
- Initial contact: Reach out to LeafFilter via its website or phone number.
- Free quote: LeafFilter will reach out to you and schedule a time for a free inspection and quote. A LeafFilter salesperson will arrive at your home and assess the factors that can impact your quote, such as your current gutter condition, roof slope, and total length of guttering. The sales rep will then generate a quote and answer any questions you may have. LeafFilter’s quotes are guaranteed for one year, so you can get a quote and then shop around and compare it to other offers.
- Quote agreement follow-up: If you decide that LeafFilter’s system is right for you, contact LeafFilter and schedule an appointment for gutter guard installation.
- Installation: On that date, one or more technicians will arrive at your home. The installation process begins with thorough gutter cleaning and repairs. The technicians will clean your entire system and identify and fix any spots that need to be repaired. Once repairs are complete, they’ll begin installing your new system. If you purchased new gutters along with the guards, they’ll start by uninstalling your old gutters and installing your new ones. Once your gutters are ready, they’ll screw the hidden hangers directly into the fascia board, then place the micro-mesh gutter guard on top. This process takes one full workday.
- Cleanup: After the technicians install your gutter guard, they’ll clean up the remaining debris, including any old gutter sections that were replaced. The installer will present photos of the newly installed gutter guard and answer any questions you may have before departing.
Advice From a Homeowner
We spoke to a homeowner named Kaitlynn D. to learn more about common issues homeowners face with gutters and gutter guards. Kaitlynn owns a LeafFilter gutter guard system, which was installed on her home six months ago. Her house has trees around it, and the most common debris she encounters is leaves. She explained that her one-story home is very easy to manage and that she uses a cleaning service that handles her gutters once per year. So far, she’s been impressed by the LeafFilter guards, noting that they’ve performed well and haven’t clogged.
When asked what advice she would give to homeowners about gutter maintenance and upkeep, she emphasized the importance of budgeting for gutter and home maintenance. “The cost of gutter guards [and] cleaning surprised me. Maintaining a home comes at a price tag, which is why saving is so important,” she said.
It’s a good idea to regularly contribute to a rainy-day fund to prepare for unexpected home costs. “Put aside a set amount of money each month into a home maintenance fund,” said Kaitlynn. “These expenses will add up quickly, and it’s easier if you already have money set aside.”
LeafFilter Customer Reviews: Reddit, BBB, Yelp, and More
After researching LeafFilter and other gutter guard providers, we discovered that it has one of the highest customer review scores in the industry. LeafFilter has an A+ rating and accreditation on its BBB page and nearly 7,000 BBB reviews, averaging 3.7 out of 5 stars. LeafFilter also has more than 126,000 reviews with a score of 4.3 to 5 stars on Trustpilot. LeafFilter has more reviews than any company we’ve seen and a higher overall customer rating than the industry average, which is 2–3 out of 5 stars.
We also scoured Reddit for threads mentioning LeafFilter’s performance and found customer sentiments here were more mixed. Some commenters praise its performance, while many claim the product experienced problems. This isn’t surprising, as Reddit comments tend to skew negative when it comes to brands.
Positive reviews noted the professionalism and friendliness of LeafFilter’s staff and installation crews. Others praised the effectiveness of LeafFilter’s product and how quickly the installers work. Common negative themes included aggressive sales tactics and inconsistent installation quality. The main complaint we saw was that LeafFilter sales reps would present an initially inflated price (typically around $7,000) only to drop it to a more reasonable range after negotiations. Unfortunately, this practice isn’t uncommon in the gutter guard industry.
To avoid this issue, we recommend being firm with your LeafFilter sales representative and installation crew. Be direct and clear regarding your budget during the free quote process, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Knowing that there’s no rush to sign up can help. LeafFilter’s quotes are good for one year, so you’re free to shop around and compare multiple quotes before making a final decision.
Here are two reviews that provide a glimpse into online sentiments on LeafFilter:
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
How LeafFilter Compares to Other Top Gutter Guard Companies
LeafFilter received the highest score of any professionally installed gutter guard provider in our objective review standards. LeafFilter’s gutter guard system stands out because of the quality of its materials and design. While most other professional products use stainless steel, few have mesh screens that are as fine as LeafFilter’s.
LeafFilter’s design also boasts very little space between its frame and filter, creating a slick surface for easy cleaning. Compare this to a product like Gutter Guards America, which uses a wave-like pattern on its screen. While this pattern adds a nice aesthetic flair, the waves create small gaps between the frame and screen, which can trap pine needles and lead to clogs.
While we rated LeafFilter as the best overall, other companies offer unique benefits that may make them a better fit for your needs. For example, if you’re looking for a company that offers a suite of additional services like gutter cleaning or repair, you may want to choose HomeCraft or Gutter Guards America. Both of these companies offer more additional services than LeafFilter. Plus, LeafFilter only provides gutter cleaning and repairs during the initial installation, so companies like Gutter Guards America and HomeCraft are more helpful later on.
| Brand | Logo | Our Rating | Average Cost (Per 200 Linear Feet) | Guard Type | Warranty | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,528 | Stainless steel micro-mesh | Lifetime transferable | Get Quote | ||
 | $5,270 | Stainless steel micro-mesh | Lifetime transferable | Read Our Review | ||
 | $7,900 | Aluminum reverse-curve | Lifetime transferable | Get Quote | ||
 | $6,338 | Stainless steel micro-mesh | Lifetime transferable | Read Our Review | ||
 | $5,868 | Stainless steel micro-mesh | Lifetime transferable | Read Our Review |
FAQ About LeafFilter Gutter Guards
Does LeafFilter install gutters?
Yes, LeafFilter installs gutters. LeafFilter’s technicians are fully trained gutter technicians capable of installing new gutters and downspouts.
What is the average customer satisfaction rating for LeafFilter gutter guards?
The average customer satisfaction rating for LeafFilter gutter guards is between 4 and 4.4 out of 5 stars across independent review sites including Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews.
Can you install LeafFilter on existing gutters?
LeafFilter can be installed on existing gutters. However, LeafFilter can’t be installed DIY. A LeafFilter technician must install the gutter guards on your gutter system.
Can LeafFilter handle heavy rain?
Yes, LeafFilter is one of the best gutter guards for heavy rain. We tested LeafFilter’s gutter guards firsthand and noted that it was able to filter all but the heaviest water applications without overflowing.
What is the downside of LeafFilter?
LeafFilter has two main downsides: its high cost and lack of additional service offerings. Customer responses indicate that LeafFilter’s gutter guards cost more than industry standards. Also, while LeafFilter offers gutter repairs, cleaning, and installations, it only performs these additional services when you purchase a gutter guard system.
How We Evaluated Gutter Guard Brands
Here is a brief overview of how we evaluated gutter guard systems.
Our Rating System
We scored each brand against our rigorous rating system, determining which brand offers the strongest combination of material and design, value, warranty coverage, customer reviews, services offered, and effectiveness. DIY guards don’t come with additional services, so we instead considered ease of installation when evaluating DIY products.
- Material and design: Gutter guards that use high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, earned more points than products using lower-end materials like plastic. Similarly, we awarded more points to guards with efficient designs, like those that use micro-mesh filters. LeafFilter’s gutter guards use stainless steel micro-mesh filters, giving it a high score in this category.
- Value: Gutter guard companies with prices that fall in line or under the industry standard earned more points in this category. We awarded extra points to companies that offer bonuses such as free inspection or discounts. Companies like Gutter Guards America, which had reasonable prices and multiple service options, performed well in this category.
- Warranty coverage: A warranty provides homeowners with valuable financial protection in the event of an installer error. Gutter guard companies that offer long-lasting, clearly defined warranties, such as LeafFilter and LeafGuard, earned more points in this category.
- Customer reviews: Customer reviews provide insights into a company’s performance. Brands and products with better customer review scores earned more points in this category, with LeafFilter scoring well thanks to its high average customer reviews.
- Services offered: Gutter companies that offer a diverse range of additional services provide more value to their customers. We awarded more points to companies that offer essential gutter-related services, such as gutter cleaning and downspout installation.
- Effectiveness: This category assesses the overall performance of a gutter guard. Guards that block debris, allow water to flow freely, and are easy to clean earned more points.
- Firsthand testing: We tested 12 professional and DIY gutter guard systems, including LeafFilter, to determine how they performed. We tested each product’s durability, water passability, debris filtration, overall construction, and ease of cleaning.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
