Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the 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. Companies with experience can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation providers, always make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any accidents or injuries happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide 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
Your guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically 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
High-quality gutter guard companies usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, look into its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to catch debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.46 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 the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.19 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.26 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.28 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
