Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of blocked gutters is clear. Signals of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- 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 from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with years of experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the providers you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry leading gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Accurately fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask your neighbors for recommendations on 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
There are six typical types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.28 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.13 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. On average, you can expect to spend $3.15 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
