Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of obstructed gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- 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.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly measure and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide tenured and trusted 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 do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your specific gutter setup. Pick a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.39 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water flow through. They are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.14 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.21 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 $3.23 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
