Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Indicators of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, 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 many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation companies, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability policies. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Choose a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to learn 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
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.01 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.44 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to spend $3.62 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water flow through. They are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.54 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.67 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.70 per linear foot.