Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the symptoms of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with years of experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry leading gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal guards. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a provider, look into its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of 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
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, blocking debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.02 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light 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 through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $3.88 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.74 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.85 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.88 per linear foot.
