Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. A company with experience 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
Make sure that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, 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 consistently good feedback rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.52 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.24 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.30 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 $3.32 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
