Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using generic options. Correctly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. When choosing a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. 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 blocking 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 $4.19 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.98 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.07 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they will be visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.09 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
