Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always required, indicators of blocked gutters are usually clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the providers you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This safeguards you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer leading trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install generic no-name guards or their own off-brand products. These lesser-known products may not have the same level of rigorous testing as major brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Properly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, look into its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should choose companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types are as follows:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water flow through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost around $4.44 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of the gutters. Mesh guards cost around $4.17 per linear foot.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and let even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.24 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into your gutter system while debris slides off. Generally, they will be visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.26 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
