Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of backed up gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure your gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and hold workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically have 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.01 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.43 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $3.52 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.46 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. They are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.59 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.62 per linear foot.
