Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for multiple years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any providers you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, with both workers compensation and general liability 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 installers that provide leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal guards. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers usually have 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see 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 just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 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 $4.72 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. They are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.39 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.44 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.46 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
