How Much Is a Leaf Filter?

Gutters are an essential part of any home, directing rainwater away from the foundation and preventing water damage. But what can you do about leaves, twigs and other debris that clogs up your gutters?

I use leaf filters fixed to my gutters to keep the water flowing into my rain barrels without leaf litter and other debris.

What Are Leaf Filters for Gutters?

Leaf filters, often referred to as gutter guards, are protective covers installed over gutters to prevent debris from entering and clogging them. They allow rainwater to flow freely while keeping out leaves, pine needles and other potential blockages.

Leaf filters use a mesh or screen to trap debris on top while allowing water to pass through. The debris eventually dries up and is blown away by the wind, or you can easily brush it off.

The primary benefit of leaf filters is reduced maintenance. Without them, you’ll need to clean your gutters regularly to prevent blockages, which can lead to water damage. Leaf filters significantly reduce the need for cleaning, saving time and potentially money on professional gutter cleaning services.

Note that “gutter guards” is a more generic term that can refer to any protective cover, including mesh screens, solid covers and brushes. Leaf filters specifically refer to mesh or screen guards that filter out debris.

So how you choose the right leaf filter or gutter guard? “It depends on the kind of house you have and your roof system,” says roofing pro Steve Connor of Bone Dry Roofing in Indiana.

“For example, it’s important to consider what kind of environment your home is in and whether it’s in a heavily wooded area or if there are just few trees. At Bone Dry Roofing, environmental conditions dictate what kind of gutter guard product we install to keep out debris, like leaves, insects, pine or fir needles and pollen.”

I use fine mesh filters because I have a lot of pine trees with their little needles, and silver birches with their tiny papery seeds. Foam is also a good choice in these circumstances because water passes through it into the gutters, but the debris sits on the top for the wind will blow it away when it’s dry.

Aluminum perforated covers offer larger openings than micro-mesh filters. They’re well-suited to catching leaves, but not smaller particles. The same goes for PVC and steel screens.

If I had lots of large-leafed deciduous trees, I’d go with one of these options. The larger openings mean that even with a dense layer of fallen leaves, water can still more easily make its way into the gutters.

How Much Is a Leaf Filter?

The cost varies based on several factors:

• Type of material: Leaf filters can be made from PVC, aluminum, steel and micro-mesh. Each has its price range, with PVC the most affordable and micro-mesh the most expensive.
• Length of gutters: Most leaf filters are priced per linear foot, so the total length of your gutters will determine the overall cost.
• Installation: Some leaf filters are more difficult to install than others, so those cost more.

Cost for pro-installed gutter leaf filters

Connor says his company typically charges between $6 and $20 per linear foot for materials and labor, depending on the quality of the product and the complexity of the installation. However, professionally installed leaf filters can cost up to $45 per linear foot, depending on type and brand.

• Plastic PVC screen: $9.36 to $10.34 per linear foot.
• Aluminum perforated cover: $9.72 to $13 per linear foot.
• Metal mesh guard: $9.35 to $14.36 per linear foot.
• Steel screen: $10.64 to $14.61 per linear foot.
• Micro-mesh: $10.64 to $14.61 per linear foot.
• Foam guard: $10.44 to $18.38 per linear foot.
• Surface tension gutter guards: $11.34 to $19 per linear foot.

Cost for DIY gutter leaf filters

On average, you’ll save about $9 per linear foot on labor costs. The leaf filter itself will cost roughly $0.35 to $27 per linear foot. Essential tools for DIY installation include a ladder, safety glasses, gloves and possibly a drill (some filters simply snap on).

It’s important to remember, though, you have no warranty for any work you carry out yourself. So make sure you install the leaf filters properly to avoid potential water damage to your property.

Highly Rated Gutter Guards

• LeafFilter: One of the most popular gutter guard systems, it uses a micro-mesh material. Costs between $10 and $35 per linear foot, including installation.
• LeafGuard: Uses a one-piece fine-mesh system that blocks even small debris, like pine needles. It does, however, require professional installation. Costs between $15 and $45 per linear foot installed.
• All American: Offers aluminum gutter guard systems backed by a lifetime performance guarantee. American Gutter Protection systems cost between $15 and $20 per linear foot installed.
• RainDrop: These are a popular budget-friendly DIY option, priced at just $4 to $5 per linear foot for materials.