Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When choosing an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This shields you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Select a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before picking a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to choose companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.42 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water filter through. These guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.16 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.23 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.25 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
