Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of clogged gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Visibly damaged, sagging, 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 patterns around your house's foundation
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When choosing an installation company, look for one with considerable experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. An experienced company will understand how to measure and install gutter guards for your specific needs. Inquire about a provider's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the companies you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards you in case of any incidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your specific gutter setup. Pick a company that custom measures and trims guards specifically for your home, rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other problems. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are an excellent way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.45 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and catch debris while letting water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.03 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $3.99 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. These guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.82 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and let even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $4.92 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $2.95 per linear foot.
