Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of clogged gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
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 measure accurately and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these companies to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This protects you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry leading reputable 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 do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size options. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, look into the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with plenty of satisfied customers rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 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 roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.39 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 allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.13 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 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 encourage debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.23 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
