Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't required for all homes, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
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. Experienced companies can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the providers you're considering have valid licensing, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This shields 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 carry top gutter guard brands like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Avoid companies that offer only 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 the best performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Properly fitted guards won't have any gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before selecting a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors for recommendations of quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with consistent positive feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. With this type of guard, debris lands on the foam instead of in your gutter. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.44 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water flow through. Mesh guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.17 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.24 per linear foot.
- 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. On average, you can expect to pay $3.26 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
