Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's 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
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the providers you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This protects you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size options. Correctly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies typically have 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. Before selecting 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
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, 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, it's best to select companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, catching debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $4.33 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.09 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.17 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.19 per linear foot.
