Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of blocked gutters is clear. Indicators of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been providing 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 protection. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide 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 have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Your guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that specifically 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 often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. When selecting a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.01 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.44 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $3.69 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost around $3.59 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.71 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.74 per linear foot.
