Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of clogged gutters is clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and have general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully review the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are an excellent means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 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 plenty of satisfied customers rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, catching debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.22 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to filter through. These guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.00 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.09 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.11 per linear foot.
