Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of clogged gutters is clear. Indicators of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
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. An experienced company will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This shields you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
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
Gutter guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.02 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $3.88 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. These guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.74 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 guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.85 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.88 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
