Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and have general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when communicating with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal guards. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass 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 sit in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.16 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $3.96 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.05 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.07 per linear foot.
