Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of clogged gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill 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
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and hold general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer highly reputable gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install 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
For top performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size guards. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other problems. Before selecting a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common 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 let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.08 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.49 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost around $5.15 per linear foot.
- 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 as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.72 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.75 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 into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.75 per linear foot.
