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:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
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 a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation companies, always confirm that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry leading reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards need 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 generic options. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, leaks, rust, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms on 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 sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of 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, blocking 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 through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $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. These guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.07 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.15 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 roughly $3.17 per linear foot.
