Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of backed up gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to take measurements and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm your gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and hold workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before picking a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to choose companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to catch debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.25 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.02 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.11 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.13 per linear foot.
