Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, signs of obstructed gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these providers to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide leading gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that offer only generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Select a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Correctly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against leaks, rust, clogs, and other problems. Before selecting a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are an excellent means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to choose companies with a history of good reviews instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.51 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.23 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.30 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.31 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
