Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but the signs of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
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
Check that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This protects you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using generic guards. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. When selecting a company, read through the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.44 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.01 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $3.70 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water flow through. Mesh guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.60 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. They are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $4.72 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $2.75 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
