Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled various styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and hold workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when speaking to potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid generic no-name or off-brand guards, which likely lack thorough testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other issues. When choosing a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Yelp to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.45 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, allowing water to pass through while stopping debris. Brush guards cost roughly $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost around $4.02 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water filter through. They are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.84 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.94 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.97 per linear foot.
