Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have worked with a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these providers to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This shields you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size guards. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for rust, clogs, leaks, and other problems. Before choosing a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to choose companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.10 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.50 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $5.57 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to filter through. They are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $5.05 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $6.05 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
