Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including many years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been doing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation providers, always confirm that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability policies. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only offer generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size options. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other problems. Before picking a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water 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 block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost around $4.21 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.00 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.08 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- 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 normally visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.10 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
