Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When choosing an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to take measurements and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any providers you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any 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 generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic guards. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose 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:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.31 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.07 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.15 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.17 per linear foot.
