Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but the signs of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the providers you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This shields you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. 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 top performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, look into its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, blocking debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.10 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.50 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $5.47 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 let debris slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.97 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.98 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.98 per linear foot.
