Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always required, the symptoms of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of ongoing gutter issues include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with various brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any businesses you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability protection. This shields you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer top gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be sized and cut on-site to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. When picking a company, read through the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties provide the best protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or Yelp to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask your neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, you should choose companies with consistently good reviews rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common types of gutter guards are as follows:
- 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.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.45 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and allow debris to slide off as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.18 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are usually the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular 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 gutter system while debris slides off. Normally, they will be visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.27 per linear foot.
