Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- 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 extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with various brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the businesses you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This shields 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 installers that offer leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, leaks, rust, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, look into its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 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 plenty of satisfied customers rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. 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 $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- 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 allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.22 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.00 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.09 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 typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.11 per linear foot.
