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:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
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 various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly measure and handle the installation of 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 getting in touch with potential installation providers, always confirm that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation protection. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic options. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, look into its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, 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
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.03 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.10 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.91 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. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.01 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- 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. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.03 per linear foot.
