Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- 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. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation providers, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any accidents or injuries 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 generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your house rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to choose companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, catching debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.06 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $4.73 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.40 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.45 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. On average, you can expect to spend $3.46 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
