Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of blocked gutters is clear. Indicators of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when communicating with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry 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 have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal options. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are an excellent means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.19 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water filter through. Mesh guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.98 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.07 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.09 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
