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:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for multiple years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly measure and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any businesses you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability protection. 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 provide leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before choosing a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, 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 one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.03 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.86 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.96 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 normally visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.98 per linear foot.
