Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, indicators of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have worked with a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these companies to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and have workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when communicating with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards for your house rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before choosing a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and catch debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $4.19 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water filter through. They are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.98 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.07 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.09 per linear foot for surface tension guards.