Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and have general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when speaking to potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide leading gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size options. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before picking a provider, look into its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend 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 most common types of gutter guards include the following:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to catch debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.04 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 allow water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.29 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.06 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.14 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Normally, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.16 per linear foot.
