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 foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with various brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the companies you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This protects you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide leading gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards need on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using one-size guards. Correctly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against clogs, rust, leaks, and other problems. Before selecting a company, carefully review the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective means of protecting 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 find customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, catching debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.06 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.47 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $4.75 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water flow through. These guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.41 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 very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.47 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.48 per linear foot.
