Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, the symptoms of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for many years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the providers you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. 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 leading gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Pick a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask your neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost around $4.39 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. These guards are durable and let debris 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 through than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.21 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.23 per linear foot.
