Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but indicators of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house'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
Companies with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled many different styles and models will know how to measure accurately and fit guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these providers to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when communicating with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely have not undergone the same rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, guards should be measured and cut on your property to fit your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Correctly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, clogs, rust, and other issues. Before picking a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with a track record of consistently 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 just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.38 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while allowing water to flow through. These guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.13 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically 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 spend $5.20 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.22 per linear foot.
