Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but symptoms of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the 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 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 company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when speaking to potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Select a company that custom measures and trims 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 installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully review 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 such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask your neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.14 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. Mesh guards cost around $3.94 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.03 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 through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.06 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
