Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of blocked gutters is clear. Indicators of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- 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
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation protection. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Accurately fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
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 which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with plenty of satisfied customers rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $4.53 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water flow through. These guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.24 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.31 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Normally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.32 per linear foot.