Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of blocked gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with various brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure 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
Make sure that any companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation policies. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry top gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that offer only generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Your guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Pick 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 companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When picking a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses near you. 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
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large 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 pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking 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 letting water flow through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.14 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. They are extremely effective. 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. Normally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.24 per linear foot.
