Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any companies you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Choose a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. When choosing a company, look into the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.02 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $3.92 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 encourage 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 have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $4.87 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 can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.90 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
