Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of clogged gutters is clear. Signals of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled various styles and models will know how to measure accurately and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these companies to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always verify that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your house rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are an excellent means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, 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
There are six typical types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, catching debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.27 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to filter through. They are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 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 lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.12 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- 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 are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.14 per linear foot.
