Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of clogged gutters is clear. Signals of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with years of experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the companies you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for leading 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
Gutter guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Select a company that custom 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
Leading gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, read over its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are exactly 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.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.12 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.92 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.02 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.04 per linear foot.
