Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of blocked gutters is clear. Indicators of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of 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 direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for many years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly measure and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This shields you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size guards. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, read over its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.48 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.07 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.88 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to flow through. These guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.52 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.56 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.57 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
