Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of congested gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- 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
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the companies you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This shields you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies that only carry 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, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Select a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Properly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. Before choosing a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask your neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam 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 made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.40 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.14 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.22 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.24 per linear foot.
