Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but the signs of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled a wide variety of styles and models will know how to measure accurately and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to 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 properly licensed, bonded, and have general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide leading 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
Your guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, leaks, rust, and other problems. Before selecting a company, carefully review the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for 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 typical types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.07 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.48 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.77 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost roughly $4.43 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.48 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let water flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.49 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
