Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of congested gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
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. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always make sure that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading 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 not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Pick 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 companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. When selecting a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to read 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 only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.45 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.03 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.86 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.96 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $2.98 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
