Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Leaky seams or joints 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
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled many different styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these companies to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation companies, always make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation protection. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide 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
Gutter guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Pick a company that custom measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. When choosing a company, read through the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $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. They are durable and encourage debris to 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 are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.07 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they will be visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.09 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
