Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of blocked gutters is clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- 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 cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including many years in business and experience with several brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the companies you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This shields you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. 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 off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic guards. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.51 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost around $4.11 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to spend $5.76 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $5.20 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $6.18 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $4.18 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
