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:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
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 measure and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the providers you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This shields you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer top 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 gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Properly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers usually have 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, leaks, clogs, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.03 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 encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.85 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. On average, you can expect to spend $4.95 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.98 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
