Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, signs of backed up 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 foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have worked with a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these companies to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and have general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer top gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that offer only generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that custom measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. When choosing a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with plenty of satisfied customers rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost around $4.01 per linear foot.
- 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 $2.44 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $3.65 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. These guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.55 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $4.68 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 into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.71 per linear foot.
