Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, the symptoms of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
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 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. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability protection. This shields you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only offer generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
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 specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using generic options. Correctly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are just 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 $4.01 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.44 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost roughly $3.62 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to filter through. They are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.54 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. They are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.66 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.70 per linear foot.
