Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Indicators of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- 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 correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any providers you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry tenured 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 ideal 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 one-size-fits-all guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to hear more 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 a history of good reviews instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, catching debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.02 per linear foot for brush guards.
- 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 around $2.44 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $3.86 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $3.72 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.83 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.86 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
