Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, signs of backed up gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled various styles and models will know how to measure accurately and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any providers you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation policies. This shields you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry top gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using generic options. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other problems. Before picking a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are an excellent way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost around $4.06 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.68 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.36 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.41 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 often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.43 per linear foot for surface tension guards.