Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, 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
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for many years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
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 coverage. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against clogs, leaks, rust, 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
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on 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
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're light 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. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to pay $4.41 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.15 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.23 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.25 per linear foot for surface tension guards.