Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled many different styles and models will know how to measure accurately and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these companies to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for leading 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 optimal performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against rust, clogs, leaks, and other problems. Before choosing a company, carefully review the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to see 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 consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.45 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, blocking debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.06 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 allow debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.88 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $4.98 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 through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.00 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
