Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Indicators of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- 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 joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements and install 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
Always verify your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain 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 evaluating potential providers.
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 lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal guards. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, look into the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors who they would recommend for 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
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- 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 $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.34 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. They are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.10 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 types of guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.17 per linear foot.
- 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. Surface tension guards cost around $3.19 per linear foot.
