Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, indicators of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample 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 doing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify your gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and hold general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide top gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards for your house rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. When selecting a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask your neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.44 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.02 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $3.86 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.72 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are very effective. On average, you can expect to spend $4.83 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.86 per linear foot.
