Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over 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 company that has been in business for several years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly measure and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any companies you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation policies. 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 reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size guards. Correctly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, closely inspect its 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 Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, 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 a history of steady positive reviews rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.44 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.01 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to pay $3.62 per linear foot for screen guards.
- 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 your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.54 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $4.66 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.70 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
