Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, the signs of clogged gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with a wide variety of styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these providers to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, 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 tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Pick a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using one-size guards. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, read over its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews 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 primary types of gutter guards include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost around $4.33 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to flow through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.09 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.17 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.19 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
