Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems 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.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies 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
Always ensure your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and hold workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when speaking to potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry highly reputable gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic options. Properly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers usually have 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. Before selecting a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with a track record of consistently good feedback 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 consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.44 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.01 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $3.69 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.59 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.71 per linear foot.
- 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 typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.74 per linear foot.
