Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, indicators of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, 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
Providers with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with many different styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting 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 injuries or accidents occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask your neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- 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 around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost around $4.46 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of 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 and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.26 per linear foot.
- 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.
