Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but the signs of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of 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
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Experienced companies can properly take measurements 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
Make sure that any providers you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For ideal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Pick a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. When selecting a company, look into the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties offer the best protection for 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 learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $3.97 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.81 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which allows even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.91 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.94 per linear foot.
