Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of clogged gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with extensive 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. Reach out to these providers to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This safeguards 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 installers that offer leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your house rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. When choosing a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.31 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.07 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.15 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. Surface tension guards cost around $3.17 per linear foot.
