Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but the signs of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill 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 measure 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
Make sure that any providers you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability policies. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry leading reputable 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 lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Pick 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
High-quality gutter guard installers usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
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 customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 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 around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.08 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.89 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.99 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.01 per linear foot.
