Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always required, the symptoms of blocked gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation companies, always verify that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for leading gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read 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 just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.10 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water filter through. They are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.91 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.01 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 gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.03 per linear foot.
