Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting 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
Always verify your gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and maintain general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that provide tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your specific gutter setup. Select a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before picking a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed 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 made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.33 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to flow 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 spend $4.09 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.17 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.19 per linear foot for surface tension guards.