Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always required, indicators of blocked gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over 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 several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and have workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards should have to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size guards. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When selecting a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and catch debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.53 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to filter through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.24 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.31 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Normally, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.33 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
