Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, signs of backed up gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
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 various brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the providers you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, 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 leading gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Your guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards for your house rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to find 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 just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.45 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.02 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water flow through. Mesh guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.85 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $4.95 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.97 per linear foot.
