Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation providers, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer leading gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size options. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, look into its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors to suggest 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 primary gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.00 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.83 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. These types of 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 gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.96 per linear foot.
