Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but symptoms of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any providers you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer 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 gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic options. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. When selecting a company, look into the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties give you the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, 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, we'd recommend opting for companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.28 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.13 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.15 per linear foot.
