Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When picking an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about many brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, workers compensation coverage, and general liability insurance. This safeguards you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer leading gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Your guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Select 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 installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, leaks, clogs, and other problems. Before selecting a company, carefully review 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to learn about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to choose companies with a history of good reviews instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass through while catching debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.03 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.45 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost around $4.02 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. Mesh guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.84 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $4.94 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are often visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.97 per linear foot.
