Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but the signs of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking 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 take measurements and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards 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 well-known gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size options. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before picking a provider, look into its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and catch debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.20 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. These guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.99 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.07 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.10 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
