Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for several years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation companies, always make sure that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation 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 carry highly reputable gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that offer only generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards need 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 universal guards. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These 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. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to catch debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.28 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water flow through. Mesh guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 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 roughly $5.13 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.16 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
