Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but the signs of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Properly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When picking a company, read through the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to read 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 a history of good reviews instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.53 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.24 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.31 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.33 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
