Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and hold general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when communicating with 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 have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Select a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Correctly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on 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
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 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 stopping debris. Brush guards cost around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.08 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water flow through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.89 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.99 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.01 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
