Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Indicators of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over 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 several years and has installed various guard brands 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 installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation companies, always verify that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation protection. This protects you if any accidents or injuries happen. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer 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 not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask your neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.26 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. These guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.03 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.11 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.14 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
