Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always required, indicators of congested gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research 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 typical types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.44 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, catching debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.02 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to pay $3.82 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 encourage debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.69 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.80 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $2.83 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
