Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of backed up gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- 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
Providers with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled many different styles and models will know how to measure accurately and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these companies to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain 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 communicating with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Choose a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a provider, look into its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, catching debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.68 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow 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, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.41 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.43 per linear foot.
