Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
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 measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure your gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and hold 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 talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry leading gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. When selecting a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.44 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.02 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $3.85 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water filter through. These guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.71 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.82 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.85 per linear foot.
