Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of clogged gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This shields you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need 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 options. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, read over its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask your neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- 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 $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.76 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water flow through. Mesh guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.42 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.47 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.49 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
