Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but symptoms of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When choosing an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Pick a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before picking a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.45 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 help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.18 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.25 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.27 per linear foot.
