Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, the symptoms of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation companies, always make sure that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from 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
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Select 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 often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. When picking a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties give you the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with plenty of satisfied customers rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards include the following:
- Brush guards are 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 spend $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.31 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water flow through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $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. They are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.15 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.17 per linear foot.
