Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of congested gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the 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 worked with 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 find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always verify that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards should have on-site sizing and cutting to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using universal options. Well-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. Before choosing a company, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, 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 a history of steady positive reviews rather than only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while blocking debris. Brush guards cost around $4.03 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to pay $4.02 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while letting water flow through. Mesh guards are durable and allow 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 are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.94 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.97 per linear foot.
