Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always required, the symptoms of congested gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with various styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these companies to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm your gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and have general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Choose a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers usually have 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to learn 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 one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are precisely 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.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while stopping debris. 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 rather than 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 standard 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, 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 $3.10 per linear foot for surface tension guards.