Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always necessary, the symptoms of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When choosing an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any providers you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size guards. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms on 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.28 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.13 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.15 per linear foot for surface tension guards.