Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but indicators of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- 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
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 a wide variety of guard types 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 in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain 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 communicating with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. 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 optimal performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties provide the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to pay $4.51 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water flow through. They are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.23 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.30 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.31 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
