Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren't always necessary, but the signs of clogged and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of ongoing gutter troubles are:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your 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 take measurements and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When speaking with potential installation companies, always confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any accidents or injuries happen. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Steer clear of companies that only offer their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Pick a company that custom measures and trims guards for your house rather than using generic guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers normally have 20-year or lifetime warranties protecting against rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a company, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, 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 only one or two sporadic reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. Debris collects on the foam instead of in your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.46 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris but let water through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping out debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.22 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to flow through. They are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.00 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris into your gutters than mesh. They are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.09 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows into the gutter. They are normally visible from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.11 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
