Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of blocked gutters is clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- 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
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with various brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and have general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size guards. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. When selecting a company, read through the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties give you the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, 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 a history of steady positive reviews rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.29 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow 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 your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.06 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.14 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.16 per linear foot for surface tension guards.