Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the signs of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled various styles and models will know how to measure accurately and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation companies, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any accidents or injuries occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior 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 generic guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose 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 include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of 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.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.19 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water filter through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.98 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets 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 gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.09 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
