Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of congested gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
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. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation providers, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your house rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, look into the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are exactly 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 are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.53 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.24 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.31 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.32 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
