Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these providers to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
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 injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when communicating with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide leading gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size guards. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully read through 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 Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.47 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.51 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.23 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.30 per linear foot.
- 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 can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.31 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
