Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to take measurements and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation providers, always verify that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Choose a company that custom measures and trims guards for your house rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other problems. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.42 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water filter through. These guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.16 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.23 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.25 per linear foot.
