Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of backed up gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for multiple years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation providers, always confirm 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
Seek out companies that provide tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Correctly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, leaks, rust, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, read over its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.16 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow 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. Mesh guards cost around $3.96 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. They are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.05 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.07 per linear foot.
