Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but the signs of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for multiple years and has installed many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any injuries or accidents happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for well-known gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal guards. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to read customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for 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
There are six most common types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.55 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 spend $4.26 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.32 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- 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 can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.34 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
