Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but symptoms of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Look for an experienced gutter guard installation provider that has been in business for several years and has installed various guard brands and models. These companies know how to properly measure and install gutter guards on your unique home setup. Ask how long they’ve been installing guards and request local referrals.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When getting in touch with potential installation companies, always make sure that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you if any injuries or accidents occur. Request current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies that only carry generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely lack the rigorous testing of larger brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For superior performance, gutter guards need custom measurements and trimming on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that takes specific measurements and trims guards for your house instead of using generic options. Properly-fitted guards prevent debris-trapping gaps from forming.
Examine Warranties
Top gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties for clogs, rust, leaks, and other issues. When picking a company, carefully examine the warranty details for both workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties offer the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites to read about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six typical types of gutter guards include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that partially obstruct your gutters, stopping debris and allowing water to pass through. On average, you can expect to pay $4.02 per linear foot for brush guards.
- Foam guards consist of pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.44 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. On average, you can expect to spend $3.87 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water flow through. These guards are durable and allow debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $3.73 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 very effective. Micro-mesh guards cost around $4.84 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to allow water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they can be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $2.86 per linear foot.
