Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and fit 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 the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This safeguards you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Correctly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. When picking a company, look into the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties provide the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam 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 through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.20 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.98 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.07 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.09 per linear foot for surface tension guards.