Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house'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
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 install 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 verify your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and have workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Properly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- 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 $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.46 per linear foot for screen guards.
- 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 as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.19 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.26 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.28 per linear foot.
