Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
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 many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and hold workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Correctly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 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 a history of steady positive reviews rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are light 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 $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.47 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.20 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.27 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.28 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
