Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, 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 foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and install 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 make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
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 universal guards. Accurately fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow 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 your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.87 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.96 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 are normally visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.99 per linear foot.
