Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the 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 numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always confirm that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation 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 provide tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Select a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully review the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are an excellent way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while stopping debris. Brush guards cost around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.00 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost around $3.83 per linear foot.
- 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 roughly $4.93 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 typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.96 per linear foot.
