Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with years of experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both workers compensation and general liability policies. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal guards. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, leaks, rust, and other problems. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are an excellent way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with a history of consistent positive feedback 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 large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.44 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.02 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $3.71 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 rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.61 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to spend $4.73 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.76 per linear foot.
