Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the symptoms 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
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled a wide variety of styles and models will know how to measure accurately and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these companies to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm 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 installers that carry tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom 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 are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, leaks, rust, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.40 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh guards are durable and encourage 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 have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.22 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.23 per linear foot for surface tension guards.