Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the symptoms of congested gutters are usually clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with years of gutter guard installation experience that have worked with a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these companies to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry leading gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to choose companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- 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 around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.34 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water flow through. These guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.10 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. They are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.17 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 are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.19 per linear foot.
