Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always required, the symptoms of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- 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 patterns around your house's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for several years and has installed many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly measure and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the providers you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This shields you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Accurately fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with a history of consistent positive feedback rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical 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 $2.48 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.07 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to pay $4.88 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.52 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.56 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.57 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
