What Are Leaf Relief Gutter Guards?
Leaf Relief is a perforated aluminum gutter guard system designed to keep leaves and large debris out of your gutters. It's one of several mid-range gutter protection options available to homeowners.
How Leaf Relief Works
Leaf Relief uses a simple design:
- Perforated aluminum panels
- Slides under roof shingles
- Snaps onto gutter lip
- Small holes allow water through
- Debris slides off the top
Leaf Relief Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Moderate price point compared to premium systems
- Easy installation process
- Blocks large leaves effectively
- Aluminum construction won't rust
- Available at home improvement stores
Disadvantages
- Perforations clog with small debris
- Pine needles and seeds get through
- Shingle granules accumulate on surface
- Requires periodic cleaning
- Can be damaged by ice and snow
- Limited warranty coverage
Leaf Relief Pricing
| Installation Type | Cost per Linear Foot | 150ft Home Total |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Installation | $4-8 | $600-1,200 |
| Professional Installation | $10-18 | $1,500-2,700 |
Common Issues with Perforated Guards
1. Small Debris Problems
The perforations that allow water through also allow:
- Pine needles
- Maple seeds (helicopters)
- Roof shingle granules
- Small leaf particles
2. Surface Clogging
Over time, the perforations become clogged with:
- Decomposed organic matter
- Pollen and dirt
- Moss and algae growth
3. Winter Performance
In Ontario winters, perforated guards can:
- Allow ice to form inside gutters
- Be damaged by ice weight
- Contribute to ice dam formation
Leaf Relief vs. Other Gutter Guards
| Feature | Leaf Relief | Screen Guards | Micro-Mesh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Debris | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Small Debris | Poor | Poor | Excellent |
| Water Flow | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Annual cleaning | Semi-annual | None |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 5-10 years | 40+ years |
| Price | $$ | $ | $$$ |
When Leaf Relief Makes Sense
Leaf Relief might be appropriate if:
- You have minimal pine trees nearby
- Budget is a primary concern
- You're comfortable with periodic maintenance
- Your area has light debris conditions
When to Choose a Better Option
Consider upgrading to micro-mesh if:
- You have pine trees or heavy debris
- You want zero maintenance
- Ontario winters are a concern
- You want long-term protection
The Micro-Mesh Advantage
Modern micro-mesh systems like Eaves Armour offer:
- Surgical-grade stainless steel that never clogs
- Complete debris protection including pine needles
- Zero maintenance required
- 40-year transferable warranty
- Better long-term value
Get the Right Protection
Before choosing Leaf Relief or any gutter guard, get a professional assessment to ensure you're getting the right protection for your home.
Learn about Eaves Armour protection or schedule a free consultation.
Ready to compare? Get your free quote today!
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Written by
EavesArmour Team
Our team of gutter protection experts brings over 15 years of experience helping Ontario homeowners protect their properties with industry-leading gutter guard systems backed by a 40-year warranty.
