Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but symptoms 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 around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When choosing an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements and fit 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
Confirm that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal guards. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.51 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 the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.23 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.29 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.31 per linear foot.
