Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but symptoms of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have worked with various 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
Make sure that any providers you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, with both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects 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 carry leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Guards should be sized and cut while at your home to match your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, rust, clogs, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, thoroughly review the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, blocking debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.45 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. They are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.18 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets 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 let water flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.27 per linear foot.
