Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, indicators of congested gutters are usually clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have worked with various styles and models will know how to measure accurately and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these providers to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation companies, always confirm that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. 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 generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Choose a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers usually have 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before selecting a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to choose companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.49 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.08 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $5.08 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.67 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.70 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.71 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
