Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but symptoms of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any businesses you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, with both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry leading 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 optimal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Choose a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, leaks, rust, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect 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 learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, blocking debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.34 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water 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 your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.10 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These 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 encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.19 per linear foot for surface tension guards.