Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, the symptoms of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When choosing 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 measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about 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 make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability policies. This protects you if any accidents or injuries happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable 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 do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your specific gutter setup. Choose a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, 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 gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.23 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water 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 spend $4.01 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.10 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.12 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
