Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Indicators of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and fit 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
Verify that any companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation protection. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for leading 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
Guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that custom measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. When selecting a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties offer the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards include the following:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.10 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water flow through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.90 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.00 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.02 per linear foot.
