Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled a wide variety of styles and models will know how to measure accurately and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these companies to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the providers you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide highly reputable gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size options. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, look into its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.06 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.73 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 encourage debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.40 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.45 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.46 per linear foot.
