Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Indicators of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled various styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and install 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
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always confirm that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide leading 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, gutter guards should have to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal guards. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. When picking a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties give you 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, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses near you. 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
The six primary gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $3.93 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.78 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.88 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.91 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
