Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, indicators of congested gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- 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
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled many different styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the providers you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Your guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Select a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, look into its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, blocking debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- 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 roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.16 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 encourage debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.96 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. They are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.05 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.07 per linear foot.
