Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of clogged gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled many different styles and models will know how to measure accurately and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these companies to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any companies you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only offer generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. When choosing a company, look into the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties offer the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to find 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
The six most common types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 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 $4.40 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh guards are durable and let debris 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 are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.22 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. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.24 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
