Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but indicators of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled various 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
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and have general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when communicating with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size options. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies typically have 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide 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
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.51 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.23 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.30 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.31 per linear foot.
