Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of backed up gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with several brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and maintain workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. 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 do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards should have 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 generic options. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against leaks, rust, clogs, and other problems. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are an excellent means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with consistently positive or good 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 are installed in your gutters, catching debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.01 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.44 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $3.62 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow 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 the gutters. Mesh guards cost around $3.54 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $4.67 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.70 per linear foot.
