If you’re looking to install gutter guards, two of the biggest brands on the market are Shur-Flo and LeafFilter. But how do you decide which is right for your home and budget?
This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, features, and real-world performance of both Shur-Flo and LeafFilter to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief Comparison Table
To help decide if Shur-Flo or LeafFilter is better for you, here’s an overview of how they stack up on features:
| Feature | Shur-Flo | LeafFilter |
| Setup | Mesh inserts fit existing gutters | Full gutter replacement needed |
| Filtration | Good across range | Industry-leading |
| Ideal For | DIY installs, budget builds | Seamless whole-home coverage |
| Warranty | Up to lifetime | Lifetime parts/labor |
| Maintenance | Occasional clearing needed | Self-cleaning design |
Shur-Flo flexes to more use cases with the ability to get started with a basic mesh insert or upgrade over time. LeafFilter requires a bigger upfront investment but delivers a maintenance-free system.
Key Takeaways
- Shur-Flo and LeafFilter both deliver excellent gutter protection when properly installed. Which option makes most sense depends on budget, features needed, and home-specific factors.
- DIYers on a tight budget favor Shur-Flo for its range of affordable mesh screen options achieving decent protection.
- LeafFilter stands out for homes needing unmatched leaf filtration. Its professionally installed one-piece system keeps gutters pristinely clog-free for life.
- LeafFilter’s high cost makes Shur-Flo the accessible option for most households simply wanting to avoid gutter cleaning hassles.
- In severe debris environments, LeafFilter warrants investing in for unmatchedfiltration and seamless protection backed by lifetime guarantees.
Shur-Flo Gutter Guards Overview
Shur-Flo is one of the oldest and best-known brands in the gutter guard industry. Founded in 1968, they offer several lines of gutter protection focused on keeping leaves and debris out while allowing rainwater to flow freely into gutters.
Pros
- Offer comprehensive protection across their product range
- Well-established brand with long track record
- Range of options for different needs and budgets
- Easy to self-install
- Won’t void roofing warranties
Cons
- Installation can take time if doing it yourself
- Doesn’t fit all gutter types
- Mesh screens may need occasional clearing of smaller debris
Shur-Flo’s basic options are low-cost aluminum mesh screens. Higher-end choices use micro-perforated metal over a layer of foam mesh. This provides excellent filtration while minimizing clogs.
Most Shur-Flo products have a 20-year warranty. Their newer SolarGuard line boasts a lifetime warranty.
LeafFilter Gutter Guards Overview
LeafFilter launched in 2005 and has rapidly expanded across the US and Canada. Their mounted gutter guard system features a one-piece micro-mesh stainless steel screen across the length of the gutter with patented airflow technology.
Pros
- Excellent leaf/debris filtration
- Keeps out even pine needles and roof grit
- Professional installation included
- Never needs clearing – “Once and done”
- Lifetime warranty on parts/labor
Cons
- More expensive than DIY options
- Requires complete gutter replacement
- Mixed reviews of sales practices
The biggest advantage of LeafFilter is having their team install a unified system that is specially designed to minimize clogs.
But this comes at a cost – both for the install and gutter replacement. Their warranty provides peace of mind but some customers have had issues getting satisfactory service.
Real-World Performance Comparison
Evaluating real customer experiences highlights how these two brands excel in different areas:
- Leaf filtration LeafFilter is unmatched when it comes to keeping debris of all sizes out of gutters. Their fine mesh blocks everything down to 0.005 inches. Reviews consistently praise LeafFilter’s leaf-blocking abilities. Shur-Flo offers similar filtration with premium meshes, but cheaper aluminum options miss more debris.
- Rainwater flow Testimonials show LeafFilter and Shur-Flo products allow rainwater to flow quickly into gutters without splashing or backing up. LeafFilter’s curves and airflow design give it an edge. Some Shur-Flo users note minor overflow with heavy rain.
- Durability Once installed, both products stand up well to weather and seasonal changes without sagging, cracking, or pulling away from gutters. Shur-Flo’s flexibility suits it well to temperature shifts. Being one unified system, LeafFilter avoids potential weak spots.
- Value Shur-Flo provides value across price points – the basic mesh screens deliver essential protection for light debris at a budget cost. LeafFilter has a far higher upfront cost but pays off long-term since gutters stay clog-free. Their warranty also adds value. With Shur-Flo warranties covering materials only, there is more risk of labor costs down the road.
- Curb appeal LeafFilter gets points as the better-looking option once installed. The attached covers give gutters a consistent, almost invisible look compared to the more piecemeal approach of Shur-Flo’s inserts. But Shur-Flo meshes generally blend in well enough.
When To Choose Shur-Flo Gutter Guards?
With flexible options spanning budget DIY to robust long-term coverage, Shur-Flo excels for:
- Cost-conscious homeowners who want to tackle installation themselves
- Multi-story homes where staged install is more practical
- Climates with wet seasons and dry seasons
- Roofing styles prone to debris build up like pine needles
- Adding protection to older gutters without full replacement
The combination of adaptable materials with competitive pricing makes Shur-Flo a great choice if you need to spread costs over time. Starting with entry-level aluminum shields lets you pilfer protection now while allowing room to upgrade to premium meshes down the road.
When To Choose LeafGuard Gutter Guards?
LeafFilter shines for homes wanting uncompromising filtration, seamless aesthetics, and a lifetime set-it-and-forget it solution:
- Homeowners who want completely clog-free gutters
- New construction and full roof replacements
- Multi-million dollar homes where aesthetics matter
- Severe debris problem areas like siting near heavy trees
- Climates prone to wind-driven pine needles and debris
- Risk areas for fire hazards from debris buildup
- Homeowners unable or unwilling to maintain gutters
Yes, LeafFilter costs more upfront. But for properties where failing gutter maintenance can lead to expensive repairs (or presenting liability risks), LeafFilter delivers vital protection. Never dealing with clogs or paying pros to clear dangerous overflows gives real peace of mind.
Professional Installation A Key Consideration
One major differentiator between Shur-Flo and LeafFilter is professional installation.
Shur-Flo products are designed for DIY fitting or installation by your local gutter contractor.
LeafFilter requires installation by their highly trained technicians.
There are pros and cons with each approach. Shur-Flo gives you flexibility but puts the onus on getting a sound fit. Hiring a uncertified contractor has risks too. But if done right your gutters stay protected through seasons.
With LeafFilter, installation quality is assured but the full price tag limits budget options. If you can float financing LeafFilter’s install team handles everything. But any issues down the road have to go through them too.
Ultimately each home’s situation is unique. But choosing a trusted installer is key for any system to achieve advertised performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Deciding between Shur-Flo and LeafFilter gutter guards usually leads homeowners to ask common questions. Here are answers to some of the key points frequently raised:
So far I know, there is no pending class action against LeafFilter. Some online reviews mention arbitration cases but none have reached national class action status.
The biggest downsides of LeafFilter gutter guards are the high upfront cost and dependence on their installation teams:
1. Requires full gutter replacement adding thousands over just gutter covers.
2. National average cost of $8000 makes it unattainable for many households.
3. Mixed reviews of sales tactics from pushy reps.
4. Warranty dependability relies on getting issues addressed by LeafFilter teams.
These factors mean LeafFilter offers the ultimate gutter protection but full costs mean it remains out of reach for many.
Both LeafGuard and LeafFilter offer excellent gutter protection backed by strong guarantees. Key differences come down to installation approach:
1. LeafFilter uses full-frame single panel for seamless protection
2. LeafGuard uses modular inserts with options for DIY fit
3. LeafGuard is generally cheaper but may have more leaks.
4. LeafFilter is more expensive but higher performance when properly installed.
For most homes, LeafGuard makes more financial sense to deliver highly effective protection. But for yards with heavy debris, LeafFilter’s unmatched filtration carries advantages that warrant the investment for some homeowners.
For homes that ONLY need to manage light debris, LeafFilter may be overkill. But their patented micro mesh filtration makes it the leading choice for properties struggling with years of serious gutter clog issues.
Tired of paying hundreds per year for risky and difficult gutter cleanings? Neighboring trees causing nonstop pine needle buildups? Then yes – LeafFilter can really be worth it. No more debris also means eliminating fire risks that gutters present out West.
The catch is being able to foot the total install cost without financing. Spreading payments erodes long term value. But bought outright, LeafFilter ends the battle against clogged gutters once and for all. That peace of mind is worth it for scores of homeowners each year.
The Last Word
Adding gutter guards can save homeowners countless hours dealing with dangerous and frustrating gutter cleaning. Shur-Flo and LeafFilter represent two leading options with good performance. Shur-Flo flexes to fit more budgets but LeafFilter spares no expense towards filtration.
Hopefully this detailed overview better informs your decision between these two industry-leading gutter guard systems. As both brands continue to advance their offerings, choosing the right solution promises to become even more dialed in for each home’s needs.