Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of backed up gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This shields you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer top gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards should have to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size guards. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, 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 consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.09 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.49 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $5.26 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.81 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.83 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.83 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
