Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but the signs of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting 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 take measurements 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
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always verify that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using generic options. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, and other problems. Before picking a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are an excellent means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards are large 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 $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.73 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. These guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.40 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.45 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.47 per linear foot.
