Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Indicators of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and have general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies only offering 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
For top performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size options. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, and other problems. Before picking a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are an excellent means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.31 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 encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.07 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.15 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.17 per linear foot.