Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, signs of backed up gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
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 take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies that only carry 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 top performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Correctly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When picking a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $3.94 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.78 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.89 per linear foot.
- 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. On average, you can expect to spend $2.92 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
