Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the symptoms of congested gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over 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 company that has been in business for many 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. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any providers you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation protection. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. 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 do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal guards. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, look into its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.73 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.40 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.46 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.47 per linear foot.