Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- 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
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home'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 numerous brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for leading gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other problems. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with plenty of satisfied customers rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $4.16 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 let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $3.96 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.05 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they will be visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.07 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
