Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Indicators of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with a wide variety of styles and models will know how to measure accurately and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these companies to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and have workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Your guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your house rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask your neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.10 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 let debris slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.91 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.00 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 into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.03 per linear foot.