Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with several brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the providers you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for leading gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal options. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, leaks, rust, and other defects. Before choosing a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are lightweight 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 spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.43 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 allow debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.16 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.23 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.25 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
