Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When choosing an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to take measurements and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation providers, always confirm that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable 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 custom-fitted to match your specific gutter setup. Choose a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. Before picking a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are an excellent way to protect 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, we'd recommend going for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.06 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost around $4.76 per linear foot.
- 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 $4.42 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.47 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.49 per linear foot.
