Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but symptoms of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and install 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
Verify that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This shields you from liability for potential 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 Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Select a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, read over its warranty terms for 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, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest 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
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.22 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 let debris slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.00 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. They are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.09 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 are normally visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.11 per linear foot.
