Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of blocked gutters are usually clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly measure and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm your gutter guard installers are 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 evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards for your house rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at 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 light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.44 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, blocking debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.01 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $3.70 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water filter through. They are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.60 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.72 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.75 per linear foot.
