Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, indicators of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Accurately 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 materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with consistent positive 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 large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.09 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.90 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.00 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 spend $3.02 per linear foot for surface tension guards.