Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always necessary, indicators of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation company that has been in business for many years and has installed many different brands and models of gutter guards. These companies know how to properly measure and handle the installation of gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the businesses you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This protects you in case of injuries or accidents that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet when selecting an installer. Avoid off-brand or generic no-name guards, which likely have not gone through rigorous quality control testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For the best performance, gutter guards should have custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes custom measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal options. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that protect against leaks, clogs, rust, and other problems. Before selecting a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are an excellent means of protecting your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary types of gutter guards. These include the following:
- Brush guards are just what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.44 per linear foot for screen guards.
- 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. On average, you can expect to spend $4.17 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. They have smaller holes than standard 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. Surface tension guards cost around $3.26 per linear foot.
