Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but symptoms of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
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 take accurate measurements and attach guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these providers to find out about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both workers compensation and general liability protection. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for installers that offer leading 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
For top performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Accurately fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, leaks, clogs, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to look at online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see customer feedback. Ask neighbors to suggest companies that provide quality local gutter guard installation. When researching, look for providers with plenty of satisfied customers rather than just a single recommendation.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six most common gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are exactly what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to let water through while catching debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.04 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to stop debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.46 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.31 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly block debris while allowing water to filter through. They are durable and help debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.07 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards, which lets even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.15 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 spend $3.17 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
