Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, 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
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This shields you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. When selecting a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide 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 made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.47 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.72 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 allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.39 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.44 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.46 per linear foot.
