Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but symptoms of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to take measurements and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that any providers you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using generic options. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. When picking a company, look into the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, 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, it's best to opt for companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop 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 to let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.06 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.61 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water flow through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.31 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.37 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.38 per linear foot.
