Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation providers, always make sure that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. When picking a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary 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 block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $4.14 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $3.94 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let 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 encourage debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.06 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
