Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider 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 measure and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal guards. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to pay $4.31 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.07 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.15 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.17 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
