LeafFilter Review | Expert Reviewed (2023)

Poorly maintained gutters can become clogged with debris, allowing water to overflow and deteriorate your home’s core structural components. A well-designed gutter guard keeps your gutters clean longer. To help you find the best gutter guard available, we’ve evaluated the top gutter guard companies. LeafFilter ranks the highest on our list. Its micro-mesh design blocks more debris than many products.

Key Facts: 

• 275-micron micro-mesh design
• Available in 47 states
• Professional installation required
• Lifetime transferable warranty

We gave LeafFilter 4.8 out of 5 stars and consider it to be one of the best gutter companies. LeafFilter’s patented 275-micron steel mesh design and transferable lifetime warranty make it a solid choice.

We like that LeafFilter will clean, repair, and seal your gutters if necessary as part of its installation process. These services and lasting warranty put LeafFilter a step above the competition.

Here are some of the key details about LeafFilter’s gutter guard design:

• Micro-mesh: The 275-micron micro-mesh screen is composed of surgical-grade stainless steel, designed to not rust or corrode. LeafFilter states that the screen is so fine that even shingle grit should not get through it.
• uPVC frame: LeafFilter’s durable uPVC material is built to stand up to erosion, resist warping, and remain sturdy for the lifetime of the gutter guard. It features a built-in pitch that helps the system shed heavy and small debris.
• Structural hangers: Internal hidden hangers fasten to the fascia board for extra strength.

Unlike reverse-curve gutter guards, LeafFilter is a completely sealed system, leaving no gaps on either side of the gutter. It is installed over the top of the existing gutter system, a departure from some foam-and-brush gutter designs that nest inside the gutter. LeafFilter is not a DIY product, and it requires professional installation by a LeafFilter-certified installer.

How LeafFilter Works

Here is how the LeafFilter gutter guard filters debris: 

1. The gutter guard is installed with an 11-degree pitch to help shed debris to the ground. 
2. The hidden hangers that LeafFilter installs in your existing gutter reinforce the system to withstand the weight of falling debris without losing the gutter guard’s built-in pitch. 
3. The micro-mesh screen uses surface tension to draw water into the gutter without accepting debris. Its 275-micron holes are small enough to block shingle grit. 

Like other gutter guard systems, LeafFilter’s product helps prevent gutter clogs, but it does not completely eliminate the need for maintenance. However, it does resist debris buildup better than cheap DIY alternatives, such as brush-style gutter guards.

Warranty

LeafFilter’s lifetime warranty covers repairs or provides a refund if its gutter guard allows clogs that cause water to overflow and damage your home. LeafFilter does place some restrictions on its lifetime warranty. Read some of the warranty limitations below:

• The warranty does not cover damage to gutters, fascia boards, roof substrate, 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 any willful action was taken to impede or restrict the flow of water through the gutter system.
• An improper number of down-spouts may limit the water carrying capacity of the gutter system and the resulting overflow is not covered by the warranty.

LeafFilter handles installation, from the initial phone call to the placement of the final gutter guard section. LeafFilter’s quote and installation process is quick and easy. Here is a breakdown of the process:

1. Initial contact: Customers reach out to LeafFilter through its website, by phone, or online.
2. Free quote: LeafFilter will set up a time to meet for a free inspection and quote. The LeafFilter technician will assess all the factors that can impact your bill, such as gutter condition, roof slope, and length of gutters. They will generate a quote for the installation and answer any questions you have.
3. Quote agreement follow-up: If you agree to the cost outlined in the quote, the representative will schedule an appointment for the gutter guard installation. On that date, one or more technicians will arrive to clean and repair or replace existing gutter sections (if necessary). They will then install your new gutter guards.
4. Installation: To install the three-piece LeafFilter design, your specialist will install hidden hangers inside the gutter that screw into your home’s fascia board. These hangers reinforce the gutter system without introducing an eyesore that could impact your home’s curb appeal. The specialist will install the LeafFilter gutter guard over the existing gutter. The installation process will take a few hours to a full day.
5. Cleanup: After LeafFilter installs your gutter guard, the installer will clean up any debris. This may include screws or gutter scraps that fell to the ground during the installation process. The installer will also answer any questions before exiting your property.

LeafFilter does not list prices online, because the exact amount you’ll pay for your LeafFilter system will depend on the scope of the project, including whether or not you need gutter repairs or new gutters. We spoke to a LeafFilter agent using the company’s live online chat feature to find out what factors into a quote. Here’s what we learned:

1. During LeafFilter’s free gutter inspection, the company representative will assess the height of the home and the roof pitch.
2. The representative will also evaluate the condition of your home’s existing gutter system, soffits, and fascia boards.
3. You will receive an estimate that is good for one year. This estimate may include the cost for new gutter installation or repair, depending on the outcome of the inspection. It may also include the cost for new soffits and fascia boards. 

We also read dozens of customer reviews for an idea of what costs to expect. The LeafFilter quotes that customers cited varied significantly, ranging from $2,700 for the gutter guard installation only to more than $12,000 for the gutter guard and new gutter installation. Remember that the total linear footage of your home’s gutter system will be a major price factor.

LeafFilter is available across the United States and Canada. It is currently offered in 47 states and is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, and Vermont.

The LeafFilter gutter guard will reduce gutter cleaning maintenance, but you will still need to occasionally clean both your gutter system and the LeafFilter screen. Most debris will simply slide off the micro-mesh screen onto the ground below during a downpour. If pine needles or leaves get stuck on top of the screen, you can remove the debris by hand as necessary.  

LeafFilter stands behind the durability of its product, claiming that its stainless-steel micro-mesh will resist rust and corrosion. This means that your LeafFilter gutter guard should remain in good condition for many years.

LeafFilter is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating from the organization.* We researched dozens of LeafFilter reviews and noted that many customers praised the gutter guard’s effectiveness and the installation team’s professionalism. More critical takes expressed disappointment in the expensive cost and misleading sales tactics.

“The workers showed up on time. They were courteous, professional, and cleaned up the work site. They also showed ** pictures of the finished job (we didn’t want to climb up the ladder!). I would give this company a 10/10.” — Barbara Q, May 12, 2023, on BBB

“The guys that installed my LeafFilter gutters were awesome. They knew what they were doing, installed the gutters proficiently, and were very professional. When they were finished, the gutters looked great and in the rain they worked very well. I am very pleased with my new gutters.” — David L, May 11, 2023, on BBB

“LeafFilter put in gutters with new fascia boards. The paint/primer is coming off in flakes. I now have bare boards. They will not do anything about it. LeafFilter told us the new boards would be pre-painted. They purchased a product from Lowes now we have to go to Lowes for warranty. Take down the boards and paint. I’m 74 and retired. Will not get on a tall ladder any more.” — Dave B, April 21, 2023, on BBB

“The gutter guard system they put up started popping up at the joints a year after it was put up. It doesn’t even look like the gutter guard that they advertise. They wanted to charge [cost] to come out and check their own work on their own product. Even though it told us a lifetime warranty. It looks horrible. They did not send anyone out to inspect after the job was done.Very shabby work for the price they charge.” — Lane D, April 19, 2023, on BBB

*Better Business Bureau information is accurate as of August 2023.

We believe the LeafFilter gutter guard is a worthwhile investment for home improvement. The product reduces gutter cleaning maintenance and includes a convenient professional installation. LeafFilter’s gutter guard uses a 275-micron micro-mesh filter to prevent the gutter from accepting debris, providing more efficient filtration than many other types of gutter guards. 

LeafFilter does have mixed reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and the price may be steep for some homeowners. We recommend contacting LeafFilter to schedule an inspection and comparing its quoted cost with other top gutter guard providers. For customers located in states without a LeafFilter office, such as Vermont, you may consider LeafGuard as an alternative option.

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We then score each provider against our review standards for specifications, services, reputation, warranties and discounts, payment options, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.