Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but the signs of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- 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 seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for several years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the providers you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide leading gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using generic guards. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to choose companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, catching debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 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 $4.28 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.13 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they will be visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.15 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
