Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Indicators of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near 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 many years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any providers you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability policies. This shields you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Choose a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, look into its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 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 just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. 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. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are just 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 stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.34 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water flow through. They are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.09 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.17 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- 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 will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.19 per linear foot.
