Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for several years and has installed many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the providers you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. 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 installers that offer leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only offer generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Pick a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, leaks, rust, and other problems. Before picking a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch 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 through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.33 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to filter through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.09 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.17 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.19 per linear foot.
