GutterGlove vs LeafFilter vs Gutter Helmet: Dealer Pricing and Margins

Gutter guards are the easiest add-on to a roof replacement. Homeowner is already signing the contract, already scheduling the project, already getting gutters cleaned off. Adding guards is a 15 percent revenue bump with minimal extra labor.

The three brands that matter at the dealer level are GutterGlove, LeafFilter, and Gutter Helmet. Here is how they compare on price, margin, and fit.

Dealer vs Retail Pricing

BrandDealer Cost per LFRetail per LFGross Margin GutterGlove Pro$4.50 to $6.50$12 to $1860 to 70 percent LeafFilterCompany-installed only$17 to $28N/A for dealers Gutter Helmet$7 to $10$18 to $3255 to 65 percent

LeafFilter is not available to independent roofing contractors. They use their own franchise/direct install model. You cannot buy LeafFilter and resell it. You can, however, compete against them.

GutterGlove

The pragmatic choice for most roofing contractors. Micro-mesh design, stainless steel mesh on aluminum frame. Installs clean on most gutter profiles. Dealer program is open and pricing is competitive.

• Dealer cost: $4.50 to $6.50 per linear foot depending on volume
• Retail: $12 to $18 per LF installed
• Warranty: Lifetime on the product, workmanship varies by installer
• Install time: 2 to 4 hours for an average 150 LF house

LeafFilter

The marketing giant. $25M+ in TV advertising per year. Retail pricing runs $17 to $28 per LF because of their cost structure: aggressive sales commission, heavy ad spend, high-pressure in-home closes.

You cannot sell LeafFilter as a roofing contractor. You can compete with them by offering GutterGlove or Gutter Helmet at 30 to 40 percent less, with a more honest sales process.

Gutter Helmet

Surface tension design, water flows over the curved hood into the gutter while leaves slide off. Older technology than micro-mesh but still effective for larger debris.

• Dealer cost: $7 to $10 per LF
• Retail: $18 to $32 per LF installed
• Best for: Larger debris (pine needles, maple seeds), steeper roof pitches
• Weakness: Can overshoot in heavy rain, expensive vs micro-mesh alternatives

Other Brands Worth Knowing

• Raptor: Stainless steel micro-mesh, $3.50 to $5 dealer. Good margin option for price-sensitive customers.
• Leaf Solution: Similar to GutterGlove, competitive dealer pricing.
• Gutterglove Icebreaker: Heated variant for ice dam climates. Premium pricing.
• HomeCraft Pro: Newer entrant, aggressive dealer pricing to gain share.

When to Add Guards to a Roofing Quote

Always quote. Not always push. The rule:

1. If the home has 3+ large trees within 30 feet of the roof, lead with guards
2. If the customer mentions cleaning gutters as a pain point, lead with guards
3. If the roof is walkable and the ladder access is easy, soft-sell guards
4. If the roof is steep, high, or dangerous to access, lead with guards (safety angle)

A $3,500 roofing quote with a $1,800 gutter guard option is a 50 percent AOV increase. Close rate on the guard add-on runs 25 to 40 percent if the rep positions it well.

The Margin Math

A 150 LF house with GutterGlove at $4.50 dealer cost and $15 retail:

• Material cost: $675
• Retail price: $2,250
• Labor (3 hours at $75 loaded): $225
• Gross profit: $1,350
• Gross margin: 60 percent

Compare to a roof replacement where gross margin runs 30 to 40 percent. Guards are your highest-margin add-on.

Installing Guards During the Roof Project

Three rules:

1. Install guards AFTER the roof is complete. Never before tear-off.
2. Clean the gutters first. Do not install over debris.
3. Document with photos before and after. Gutter guards show up in year 3 warranty claims if they clog, and photos protect you.

Selling Against LeafFilter

When a homeowner mentions they got a LeafFilter quote, do not disparage. Just compare:

• "LeafFilter quoted you $3,600 for 150 LF. We can do GutterGlove Pro, same micro-mesh, 20-year warranty, for $2,250 installed while we are already on the roof."
• Position the roofing crew advantage: they are already on-site, no separate mobilization fee
• Point to the product, not the pitch. Both are micro-mesh. Show them the side-by-side.

RoofKnockers Add-On Tracking

RoofKnockers lets you bundle gutter guard line items into the roofing quote with their own margin tracking. The production team sees the guards as a separate scope with its own material order. See sign up to see the workflow.

Related Reading

• Supplier Ordering Automation
• QuickBooks Setup for Roofing

FAQ

Q: Do gutter guards void the roof warranty?

A: Not if installed correctly. Under-shingle mount types can interfere with shingle manufacturer warranties. Clip-on and over-gutter mount styles do not affect roof warranty.

Q: What is the markup standard on gutter guards?

A: Dealer cost times 2.5 to 3.5 on the retail price including labor. Below 2.5x you are working for free, above 3.5x you lose deals to LeafFilter and direct competitors.

Q: Should I offer a cheaper plastic screen as an entry-level option?

A: No. Plastic screens fail in 3 years and the customer will blame you. Stick to stainless micro-mesh or surface-tension. Lead with the good option.