Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with years of experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and install 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 companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic options. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. When picking a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties give you the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $3.94 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water filter through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.78 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. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.89 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 can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.92 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
