Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of blocked gutters is clear. Indicators of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any companies you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic options. Correctly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies usually have 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. Before picking a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These 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 pay $2.44 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.02 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $3.86 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $3.72 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.83 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 are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.86 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
