Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- 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
When picking an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always verify that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer top gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Pick a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, rust, leaks, and other problems. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, 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 a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $4.11 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $3.92 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.01 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.03 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
