Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of congested gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When choosing an installation company, look for one with years of experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to take measurements and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards 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 companies that provide top gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal guards. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically have 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. Before picking a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 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. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out 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 allowing water to filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.13 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 pay $5.21 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.23 per linear foot.
