Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- 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 extensive experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company 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
Verify that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for leading 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 top performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Properly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. When picking a company, look into the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.10 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water filter through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.91 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.00 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.03 per linear foot.
