Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for multiple years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and maintain general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when speaking to potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal options. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. When selecting a company, look into the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.53 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.25 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.31 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.33 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
