Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but symptoms of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This shields you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable 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 the best performance, gutter guards should have to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal options. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, look into the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, 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 consistently good feedback rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.48 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.07 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.82 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. These guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.47 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.51 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.53 per linear foot.
