Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but symptoms of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for multiple years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly measure and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation providers, always confirm that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability policies. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry top gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Your guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. When selecting a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties offer the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.25 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 encourage debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.02 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.11 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.13 per linear foot.
