Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Indicators of recurring gutter troubles are:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have worked with a wide variety of styles and models will know how to measure accurately and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Reach out to these providers to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This protects you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer leading gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards for your house rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, and other problems. Before picking a company, carefully review the warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.45 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.18 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards 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, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.27 per linear foot.
