Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation providers, always make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability policies. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide top gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that custom measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms for 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 sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.06 per linear foot.
- 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 stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.39 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.44 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.46 per linear foot.
