Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always required, the symptoms of congested gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch 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
Look for companies that provide tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. 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 optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal options. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.02 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost around $3.85 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. They are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.95 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.97 per linear foot.
