Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but indicators of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Companies with years of gutter guard installation experience that have handled many different styles and models will know how to measure accurately and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Contact these providers to get details regarding their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always ensure professional gutter guard installers are licensed, bonded, and hold general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you from liability for any injuries or accidents that could occur. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when talking with potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that provide tenured trusted gutter guard brands such as Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Steer clear of companies that only install their own off-brand products or generic no-name guards. These lesser-known products may not have gone through rigorous quality testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Your guards should be custom fitted on location to match your gutters. Select a company that custom measures and trims guards for your home rather than using universal guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other problems. Before choosing a company, carefully review the warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are an excellent way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Be sure to check online reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, it's best to opt for companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, stopping debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.04 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are lightweight and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost around $2.46 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.34 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water flow through. These guards are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.09 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, allowing even less debris through than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to pay $5.17 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.19 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
