Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of congested gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled many different styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these companies to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering 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 optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Choose a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, look into its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.16 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water filter through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.96 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.05 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.07 per linear foot.
