Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, the symptoms of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This safeguards you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Select a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers usually have 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before picking a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to read customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for 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 primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.06 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.59 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. They are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.29 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.35 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Normally, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.36 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
