Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over 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 various brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation providers, always verify that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any accidents or injuries happen. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
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 companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against clogs, leaks, rust, and other defects. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, catching debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.53 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.24 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.31 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Normally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.33 per linear foot.
