Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of backed up gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of 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 numerous brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This safeguards you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer top gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, look into its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with plenty of satisfied customers rather than just a single recommendation.
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 $2.44 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.02 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $3.73 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 let debris slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.62 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.74 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.77 per linear foot.
