Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of backed up gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with years of experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements 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
Always verify professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when communicating with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide leading reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. 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 optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Pick a company that uniquely sizes and cuts 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 installers typically have 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
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 see 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 only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.02 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.45 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $3.91 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to filter through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.76 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $4.87 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.90 per linear foot.
