Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but the signs of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly measure and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This protects you in case of any injury or accident 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 offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your specific gutter setup. Choose a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, rust, leaks, and other problems. Before selecting a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are an excellent means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- 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 pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $4.66 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 $4.34 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.40 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.42 per linear foot.
