Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but indicators of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled various styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always verify professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and hold general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. 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 should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Select a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size options. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, leaks, rust, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.49 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.09 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $5.21 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh guards are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.77 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.79 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.80 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
