Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- 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
Providers with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with many different styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these companies to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This shields you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Select a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.39 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water flow through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.14 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.21 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.23 per linear foot.
