Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
How Much do Gutter Screens Cost?
Gutter screens are priced just like your gutters, by the linear foot. The average home will have around 200 linear feet of guttering. Gutter guard materials can be thought of in a good/better/best manner:
- Good - plastic screens or aluminum $0.50 - 1.50/linear ft
- Better - steel screen or micromesh $1.50 - 4.00/linear ft
- Best - Full gutter guards or covers $3.00 - 7.00/linear ft
So using our 200 linear foot average, material costs can range from $100 to $1,400 or more. Professional installation may be necessary, and that will add to your project’s total cost.
If you have a 2-story or larger home, or if your roof slope is very steep, you should consider having professional installation for your gutter guards.
Product costs, availability item numbers and installation costs may vary online or by market.
What is the Difference Between Gutter Screens And Gutter Guards?
While the terms “gutter screens” and “gutter guards” are often interchanged, there are distinct differences between the two. Gutter screens feature a mesh, slotted or perforated surface to let rainwater fall into the gutters but keep leaves and sticks outside to be removed by the wind or by hand. Screens are usually made of plastic, vinyl, aluminum or steel. They can be installed by simply placing the screen over the gutter and either snapping or screwing into place.
Gutter guards offer more protection due to covering the gutter with a crowned solid surface. Typically made of vinyl or metal, leaves and debris are kept out of the gutter channel by this cover while rainwater runs off the guard’s edge into the gutter, keeping it clear. Guards can be more expensive than screens due to the manner in which they are installed on gutters. Professional installation is usually involved with gutter guard installation.
How Long Does Gutter Screen Installation Take?
For most homes, DIY or professional gutter guard installation should take less than a day to complete. The process is easy and with gutter guards typically measuring three feet, installation can move quickly. And remember, if you would like for Lowe’s to help with your gutter guard installation, we are just a click away. Check out our installation services page.
What are the Benefits of Gutter Screens?
The returns on your investment to have gutter screens installed are many and can help protect your home for years to come. The main benefit is not having to have your gutters periodically cleaned out. Simply brush or wash away any leaves and debris that have accumulated on the surface of the screen. Second, by preventing clogged gutters, you can reduce roof damage, gutter damage and moisture runoff around your home’s foundation. Leaky gutters can also be a source of damp basements and crawlspaces.
Gutters that are full of dried leaves can also make a nesting place for mice and snakes. If water cannot flow freely and pools in the gutter channel, the standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitos and other pests.
Mold and mildew can also form if your gutters are clogged. This can lead to allergies and damage from wood rot.
Check out our video on How to Clean Gutters and Install Gutter Guards to see how easy it is to add gutter guards to your home.
Preparing for Your Gutter Screen Installation
Gutter screens help keep large debris, like leaves and twigs, out of your home’s gutters. There are several types of gutter screens that attach under roof shingles, snap into gutters or are fastened with screws. Gutter protection systems include gutter screens, gutter covers, leaf guards and gutter fillers. The following instructions are for installing simple, snap-in, wire mesh gutter screens, but other gutter screen installations are similar.
Before selecting a gutter protection product, inspect your home’s gutters to determine what type of debris it now collects. Leaves and twigs are relatively easy to stop, but tree or flower buds, evergreen needles and seeds can slip through many gutter screens.
Instructions
Don’t have time to do this project yourself? Check out our professional gutter installation.