Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter troubles are:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with many different styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the companies you're considering have valid licenses, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry leading reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Pick a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Accurately fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to read 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 just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.33 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 rather than sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.09 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.17 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. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.19 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
