Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but symptoms of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure 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
Confirm that any providers you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation protection. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. 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, guards should be measured and cut on your property 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
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. When choosing 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
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $4.08 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.89 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $4.99 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.01 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
