Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but the signs of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- 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
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly measure and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any businesses you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Pick a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. When choosing a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties give you the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to learn 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 one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost around $4.48 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block 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 spend $4.20 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.27 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- 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 typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.29 per linear foot.
