Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, the symptoms of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation providers, always verify that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading 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 the best performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Accurately fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. Before choosing a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.44 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.01 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to spend $3.66 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.57 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.69 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.72 per linear foot.
