Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of clogged gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent 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
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
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 numerous brands and models. Companies with experience 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
When contacting potential installation companies, always make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you if any accidents or injuries happen. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide 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 gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against clogs, leaks, rust, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check 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, we'd recommend going for companies with a history of good reviews 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 consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.47 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 blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.53 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.24 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.31 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.33 per linear foot.
