Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of backed up gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for several years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and hold workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when speaking to potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Pick a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. When picking a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $4.00 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.83 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- 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 $4.93 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.96 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
