Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, the symptoms of congested gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled various styles and models will know how to measure accurately and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these providers to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation companies, always verify that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Correctly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.06 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.66 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water flow through. Mesh guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.34 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.40 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.42 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
