Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but evidence of clogged gutters is clear. Indicators of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near 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
The right installation company will have ample experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Select a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. When selecting 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
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
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 stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.14 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 let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.94 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.04 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 through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.06 per linear foot.
