Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill 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 various brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation providers, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any accidents or injuries happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using generic options. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.03 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop 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 keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.00 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.83 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.93 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 are normally visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.95 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
