Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of congested gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues 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
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled various styles and models will know how to measure accurately and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these providers to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation protection. This shields you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal guards. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. Before picking a company, carefully read through 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, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn 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 a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water 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 let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.09 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.17 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 into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.19 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
