Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of clogged 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.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards 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 offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering 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 on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal options. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. When choosing a company, look into the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to learn 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 typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass through while stopping debris. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.34 per linear foot.
- 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 the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.09 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.17 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.19 per linear foot.