Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide leading reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Choose a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. When choosing a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties offer the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.14 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow 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 guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.03 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 are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.06 per linear foot.
