Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but the signs of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near 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 various brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This shields you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer highly reputable gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal options. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers typically have 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before picking a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of 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:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.19 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost around $3.98 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.07 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.09 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
