Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of blocked gutters is clear. Indicators of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near 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 various brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal options. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically have 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully read through 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
You should check online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $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 rather than sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.13 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.21 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.23 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
