Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of backed up gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with years of experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This shields you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before choosing a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to choose companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.45 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are 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 pay $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $3.92 per linear foot.
- 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 as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.77 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. On average, you can expect to spend $4.88 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 through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.90 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
