Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of clogged gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for multiple years and has installed many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly measure 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 ensure your gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and hold 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 communicating with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer highly reputable gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal options. Well-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. When choosing a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to read customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.33 per linear foot.
- 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 as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.09 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. They are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.16 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 $3.18 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
