Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of clogged gutters is clear. Indicators of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with years of gutter guard installation experience that have worked with a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the providers you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This protects you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic options. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, 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 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 for recommendations of 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
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to catch debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.02 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost around $3.92 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.77 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.87 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- 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. On average, you can expect to spend $2.90 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
