Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Indicators of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including many years in business and experience with several brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your house rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before picking a company, carefully review the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.48 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.20 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.27 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.29 per linear foot.
