Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with various brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify your gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and maintain workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when speaking to potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal options. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms for workmanship and materials 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 Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with plenty of satisfied customers rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and catch debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.50 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.22 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.29 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.30 per linear foot.
