Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have worked with various styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these companies to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the companies you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, 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 companies that provide leading gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Pick a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms for 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, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see 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 only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.21 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.00 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.08 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.10 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
