Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Signals of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for several 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. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Your guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your house rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost around $4.36 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. These guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.11 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.19 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.21 per linear foot.
