Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but evidence of obstructed gutters is clear. Indicators of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with years of experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This safeguards you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for leading gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely do not undergo the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Choose a company that custom measures and trims guards for your house rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. Before picking a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than 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 have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.59 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $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 are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.74 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
