Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always necessary, the symptoms of congested gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains 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
When picking an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation companies, always make sure that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability policies. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies only offering 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, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size options. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, look into its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. 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. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, catching debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. 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 encourage debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.19 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.26 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.28 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
