Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, the symptoms of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation companies, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from 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 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 measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Accurately fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $4.20 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 $3.99 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.07 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 through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.10 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
