Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects 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 Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Pick a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, read over its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to pay $4.19 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.98 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.07 per linear foot.
- 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. Surface tension guards cost around $3.09 per linear foot.
