Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for multiple years and has installed many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the providers you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This shields 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 provide 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 lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties give you the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to hear more 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 most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while stopping debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.06 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.66 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.34 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.40 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.42 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
