Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for many years and has installed many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly take measurements and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure professional gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and maintain workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when evaluating potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Correctly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, and other problems. Before picking a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses in your area. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- 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 $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost around $4.20 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 rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.98 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.07 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. Generally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.10 per linear foot.
