Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but the signs of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, 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, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
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 various brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the companies you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before choosing a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to read 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
The six typical gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.06 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.63 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water flow through. They are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.32 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.38 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.39 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
