Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the symptoms of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to take measurements and install 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
When getting in touch with potential installation providers, always make sure that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both workers compensation and general liability policies. This protects you if any accidents or injuries happen. 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 not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, read over its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend 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 most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight 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 pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.75 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.41 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.46 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.48 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
