Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always necessary, the symptoms of clogged gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter problems include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly take measurements and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Inquire how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation providers, always verify that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any accidents or injuries happen. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable 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 lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Select a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to read about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical gutter guard types are as follows:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, catching debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. 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 $4.45 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 encourage debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.18 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to pay $5.25 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. Typically, they are visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.27 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
