Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, the symptoms of congested gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for multiple years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements 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
Confirm that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This safeguards you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using generic guards. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other problems. Before selecting a company, carefully review the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.46 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to filter through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.19 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.26 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.28 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
