Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the 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 various brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the providers you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This safeguards you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
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 house instead of using generic guards. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are an excellent means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.45 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.10 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water filter through. Mesh guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.91 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.00 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.03 per linear foot.
