Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues 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
- 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
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled many different styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these providers to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, with both workers compensation and general liability protection. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Your guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Pick a company that custom measures and trims guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. When picking a company, look into the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, 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 just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and catch debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.06 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.47 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.67 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but allow water to flow through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off as opposed to sitting on top of your gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.35 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.41 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.42 per linear foot.
