Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled various styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these providers to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any providers you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, with both workers compensation and general liability policies. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that custom 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 installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. When picking a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 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 plenty of satisfied customers rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large 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.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.31 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water flow through. They are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.07 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.16 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.18 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
