Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Signals of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation providers, always confirm that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for leading gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Choose a company that custom measures and trims guards for your house rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, read over its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types include the following:
- 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 exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost around $4.46 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.19 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.26 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.28 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
