Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure 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 could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter 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 optimal performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic guards. Correctly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, 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 plenty of satisfied customers rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.48 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.07 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.80 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.45 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.50 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.51 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
