Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and hold general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer top gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that custom measures and trims guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, read over its warranty terms on workmanship and materials 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 sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- 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 $4.03 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects 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 stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.02 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water flow through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.85 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.95 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 into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.97 per linear foot.
