Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the symptoms of clogged gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with years of gutter guard installation experience that have worked with many different styles and models will know how to measure accurately and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these companies to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the providers 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
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that custom sizes and cuts 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 often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. When selecting a company, look into the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check 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 your neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, catching debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.47 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.51 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.23 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.30 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.31 per linear foot.
