Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over 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 several years and has installed a wide variety of guard types and models. These companies know how to properly measure and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been in business and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure that any businesses you're considering are properly certified, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation protection. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, gutter guards need to be measured and trimmed on-site to match your specific gutter setup. Choose a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Accurately fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard installers usually provide 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, read over its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with consistently good feedback rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to catch debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. Brush guards cost around $4.06 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping out debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.75 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while allowing water to filter through. Mesh guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.42 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are normally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.47 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow 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 $3.48 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
