Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but the signs of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for multiple years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly measure and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and have 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 speaking to potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Pick a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.06 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.73 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.40 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 around $5.46 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. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.47 per linear foot.
