Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for many years and has installed many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and have workers compensation and general liability insurance. 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 installers that offer tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal options. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against rust, clogs, leaks, and other issues. When picking a company, look into the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties give you the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.51 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water filter through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.23 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.30 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.31 per linear foot.
