Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always required, indicators of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns 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 extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these companies to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any providers you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This shields you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that carry tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may not have undergone rigorous quality control testing.
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 generic guards. Properly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to read customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.63 per linear foot for screen guards.
- 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 top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.32 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.38 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.40 per linear foot.
