Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Signals of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with many different styles and models will know how to measure accurately and attach 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 your gutter guard installers are properly 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 evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Select a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before selecting a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, 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, we'd recommend going for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.31 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water 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. 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 and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.15 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.17 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
