Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, signs of backed up gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your foundation
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including many years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure 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
Confirm that any businesses you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability coverage. This shields you from liability for possible injuries and accidents. 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 top performance, gutter guards need to be measured and fitted on-site to match your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your home instead of using universal guards. Correctly-fitted guards avoid debris-trapping gaps.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms on materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
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 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 primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to catch debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside 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 allow water to pass through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.53 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water flow through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.24 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.31 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Typically, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.33 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
