Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of backed up gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have worked with a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these providers to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide 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 do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Pick a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before picking a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, 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 primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, blocking debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.28 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to filter through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.13 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.15 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
