Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with various brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements 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
When contacting potential installation companies, always verify that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer top gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that offer only 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
Your guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your house rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, leaks, rust, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, read over its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- 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 $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.48 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.21 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. These guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.28 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.29 per linear foot.
