Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, the symptoms of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for many years and has installed many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. 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 installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size guards. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.62 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.31 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.37 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.39 per linear foot.
