Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- 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 home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with various 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 providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation companies, always make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability policies. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install 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 optimal performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your specific gutter setup. Select a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.01 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are light 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 pay $2.43 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $3.57 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to flow 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 $3.50 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.63 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.66 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
