Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains 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 various brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any businesses you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal guards. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard 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 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 typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. 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 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 let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.94 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 very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.03 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- 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 are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.06 per linear foot.
