Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but indicators of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with various brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any providers you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry top gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. When selecting a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties offer the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.06 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while keeping debris out. 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 stop debris while letting water filter through. Mesh guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.29 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.35 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.36 per linear foot.
