Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the 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
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation providers, always verify that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size guards. Correctly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask your neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.06 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 encourage debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $3.88 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.98 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.00 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
