LeafFilter is a professionally installed micro-mesh gutter guard. It makes the most sense on a two-story or steep-roof home where ladder cleaning is unsafe, fine debris gets past basic screens, and the existing gutters and fascia are sound. It makes the least sense on a one-story house you can maintain from the ground, or where the gutters need repair or redesign first. LeafFilter doesn’t publish prices. Every job is quoted after a home visit, so the quote is where you need to be careful.

What LeafFilter installs

LeafFilter describes a three-part system that fits over your existing gutters:

  • a 275-micron surgical-grade stainless-steel mesh, which LeafFilter says stops even shingle grit;
  • a uPVC frame with a built-in pitch;
  • internal hidden hangers fastened into the fascia board.

That is a different design from a screen clipped to the gutter lip or a solid “surface tension” cover. Fine mesh keeps small debris out of the trough, but debris can still sit on top. Pine pollen, roof grit and organic film are the usual culprits. Heavy runoff from roof valleys can overshoot any guard. Check from the ground after storms and during the season when your trees drop the most.

Check the house before the guard

A guard can’t fix the gutters underneath it. Before you sign, get the installer to document and price:

  • gutter size, slope, seams, outlets and downspouts, with water run through every downspout;
  • fascia condition, since the hangers screw into it;
  • how the job handles drip edge and shingles, and whether any fastener goes through roofing a roof warranty covers;
  • corners, inside valleys and roof-to-wall transitions;
  • any gutter rehanging, replacement or downspout work.

Photograph existing leaks and damaged fascia so the condition before installation is on record.

Read the warranty literally

LeafFilter advertises a lifetime warranty that transfers to the next owner. The clog clause says that if the system lets the gutters clog and overflow, the manufacturer will repair the problem or refund 100% of the material purchase price. That is narrower than it sounds. It refunds the material, not installation labor, financing charges or water damage. LeafFilter’s page tells buyers to see the representative for full terms. Get the complete written warranty attached to the contract.

Reading the quote

A usable quote separates:

  • measured footage, corners and hard-to-reach roof sections;
  • gutter cleaning and disposal;
  • realignment, rehanging or replacement of gutters and downspouts;
  • LeafFilter material;
  • labor, permits, tax and any financing.

Compare the cash price with the total financed cost and APR, not the monthly payment. Get a second bid. Be wary of a discount that’s only good during the appointment. The FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule generally gives you three business days to cancel a qualifying sale made at your home, and the seller has to give you the cancellation notice. Read what you’re handed.

To judge value, compare five years of installed cost and financing with five years of professional gutter cleaning at your house. LeafFilter’s materials don’t support a universal payback figure.

This page is based on LeafFilter’s published materials. No system was installed or tested.

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