Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, the symptoms of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint 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
When choosing an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to take measurements 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
Always ensure professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and maintain general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for leading gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your house rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other problems. Before selecting a company, carefully review 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 look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, catching debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.02 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $3.89 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 your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.74 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. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.85 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.88 per linear foot.
