Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of backed up gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with various styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these companies to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards should have to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size options. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to read customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for 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 primary types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and catch debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.40 per linear foot.
- 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 pay $4.14 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.22 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 are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.23 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
