Learn how to install gutter guards with snap in gutter guards. Plus, get the cost of leaf guards installed by a professional with metal mesh guards.

At our first house, we had two baby trees; and that was it. The house was new when we bought it and both trees had just been planted. They both needed rope to keep them from blowing over on a windy day, so you can say that leaf guard installation on our roofline wasn't even something that crossed our minds.

Our current house sits on just under an acre, with 15+ mature trees. The trees are truly beautiful and provide such visual interest to our yard. Honestly though, when we first moved in we had no idea what we were in-for with regards to keeping up on all the leaf maintenance.

Understanding Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are an essential part of any gutter system. They are designed to prevent debris, leaves, and other materials from clogging up the gutters and downspouts. Gutter guards can be made from a variety of materials, including mesh, foam, and plastic. They come in different shapes and sizes to fit different types of gutters.

Gutter guards work by allowing water to flow through while keeping debris out. They are installed over the top of the gutters and are designed to fit snugly. Gutter guards can be installed by a professional (which we've had done) or by a homeowner (which we've also done!).

There are several benefits to installing gutter guards. First, they can help prevent clogs and blockages in the gutters, which can lead to water damage to the roof, walls, and foundation of the home. Second, they can help reduce the need for regular gutter cleaning, which can be a time-consuming and dangerous task. Finally, gutter guards can help improve the overall appearance of the home by keeping the gutters clean and free of debris.

Overall, gutter guards are an important investment for any homeowner looking to protect their home from water damage and improve the appearance of their property. Now, that you know about what they are, let's get to our journey on installing them!

All About Gutter Guards (DIY Installation and Professional Installation)

Now, that we've lived here 10+ years, we've added DIY gutter guards but also had them installed professionally.

Both the DIY leaf guard installation and the professional gutter guard installation were good and perfect for us in both situations. I'll share about both processes so that you can decide which installation method is the better fit for you!

Affiliate links below. Thanks for supporting this website. Click to read my privacy and disclosure statement.

Supplies Needed for Leaf Guard Installation

Leaf Blower

Heavy-Duty Gloves

Leaf Scoop (optional)

Snap In White Vinyl Mesh

Can you install gutter guards on existing gutters?

Yes! Our gutters are old and bent out of shape and, even with those issues, going the DIY gutter guard route was easy.

Are gutter guards worth it?

Yes! We installed these back in 2015 and they worked great for us! We had been having water drainage issues, due to leaf build-up and the gutter guards solved those issues.

Pre-Installation Steps

Before installing gutter guards, there are a few pre-installation steps that need to be taken to ensure a successful installation. These steps include inspecting and cleaning gutters and measuring gutters.

Inspecting and Cleaning Gutters

Inspecting and cleaning gutters is an important step before installing gutter guards. It is important to remove any debris such as leaves, twigs, or dirt that may be clogging the gutters. This will ensure that the gutters are free from any blockages that may prevent water from flowing freely through them.

To clean gutters, start by removing any debris by hand or with a scoop. Then, use a garden hose to flush out any remaining debris. After cleaning, inspect the gutters for any damage such as cracks, holes, or rust.

Measuring Gutters

Measuring gutters is also an important step before installing gutter guards. This will ensure that the gutter guards fit properly and provide adequate protection. To measure gutters, start by measuring the length of the gutter run. Then, measure the width of the gutter.

Once the length and width have been measured, calculate the total square footage of the gutter run. This will help determine how much gutter guard material is needed. It is important to note that gutter guards should be installed on all gutters, including those that are not directly under trees, as they can still become clogged with debris.

Gutter Guard Installation Process

Installing a gutter guard is a simple process that can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills. The process involves three main steps: cutting the gutter guard, fitting the gutter guard, and securing the gutter guard.

How to Install Gutter Guards

1. Grab your mesh. Lift the shingles of the roof slightly with one hand and with the other hand, slip the guard underneath the shingles.
2. Tap down into place.
3. Keeping going in a linear direction.
4. When you reach a corner, use the snips to cut to the right length.
5. Keep going until you have finished. 

Post-Installation Care

After the gutter guard installation is complete, it's important to take proper care of the system to ensure it functions efficiently. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Regular cleaning: Although gutter guards are designed to prevent debris from accumulating in your gutters, it's still important to clean them regularly. This will help prevent any buildup of dirt or debris on the surface of the gutter guards that could potentially interfere with their effectiveness. It's recommended to clean gutters at least twice a year, but more frequent cleaning may be necessary depending on your location and the amount of debris in the area.
• Inspect for damage: While gutter guards are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they can still be susceptible to damage from severe weather or other external factors. It's important to inspect the gutter guards periodically for any signs of damage, such as cracks or holes. If any damage is found, it's important to repair or replace the damaged section as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to the system.
• Trim nearby trees: Overhanging trees can drop leaves, branches, and other debris onto your roof and gutters, potentially clogging your gutter guards. To prevent this, it's recommended to trim any nearby trees to minimize the amount of debris that falls onto your roof and gutters.
• Check for proper water flow: After installation, it's important to check that water is flowing properly through the gutters and downspouts. If water is not flowing properly, it could be a sign of a clog or other issue that needs to be addressed to prevent damage to your home's foundation.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your gutter guard system is functioning properly and protecting your home from water damage.

How Much To Install Gutter Guards?

The plastic mesh gutter guards run around $50 per box. Each box gives you about 75', which is $.67 per foot.

We enjoyed this upgrade for a few years. When we had the roof replaced and gutters installed we hired out the installation of this project.

Cost of Leaf Guards Installed by Professionals

We had a product similar to this micro mesh lock installed and the cost was $660 for 400', which is $1.65 per foot.

As you can tell, the cost per foot is more expensive for the metal leaf guards and to have it installed by a professional.

Overall, we've been happy with both gutter guard installations but, as usual, if I had to pick the best one for us... having a professional do the install with a higher quality wire mesh cover was a bit better. They look a little more seamless and are a little more resilient when being blown clean (by a leaf blower).