Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Indicators of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to take measurements and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure your gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and maintain workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when speaking to potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal options. Correctly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. Before selecting a company, carefully review the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.47 per linear foot.
- 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 pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.55 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water filter through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.26 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.32 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.34 per linear foot.
