Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, signs of clogged gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with many different styles and models will know how to measure accurately and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these providers to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation companies, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards should have to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal options. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, 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 consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.28 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.13 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 through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.15 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
