Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of congested gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company 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. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior 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 home instead of using generic options. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before picking a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like 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 in your area. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.55 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. They are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.26 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 types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.32 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.34 per linear foot.
