Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of backed up gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for several years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This shields you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic guards. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a company, carefully read through 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
Take some time to research online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 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
The six primary types of gutter guards include the following:
- 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 $2.48 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.08 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.99 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.60 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.63 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. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.64 per linear foot.
