Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- 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 company that has been in business for several years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure your gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and have 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 evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted 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 do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards for your house rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers usually have 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before choosing a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check 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
The six most common types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.49 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.09 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $5.26 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. They are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.81 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.83 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.83 per linear foot.
