Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the symptoms of congested gutters are usually clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- 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 numerous brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the companies you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
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 install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using generic guards. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. When selecting a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.32 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 let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.08 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.16 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.18 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
