Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of obstructed gutters are clear. Some indicators of persistent gutter problems include:
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have ample experience, including multiple years in business and experience with numerous brands and models. Companies with experience can properly take measurements and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been performing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify 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 possible injuries and accidents. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer tenured and trusted 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 do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your unique gutter setup. Select a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a provider, look into its warranty terms on workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to find customer feedback. Ask neighbors which companies they recommend for quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with a history of steady positive reviews rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common 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. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Brush guards are what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters and let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to spend $4.05 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $4.54 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly stop debris while letting water flow through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.25 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and let even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $5.32 per linear foot.
- 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. Surface tension guards cost around $3.33 per linear foot.
