Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Although gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of blocked gutters are typically clear. Signs of chronic gutter issues include:
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When selecting an installation company, look for one with years of experience and knowledge about numerous brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Ask about a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify that the companies you're considering have valid licensing, bonds, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This shields you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that offer leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering 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 optimal performance, gutter guards need to be custom-fitted to match your specific gutter setup. Choose a company that uniquely sizes and cuts guards specifically for your home, rather than using universal guards. Properly fitted guards will leave no gaps for debris to get stuck.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies are typically backed by 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover rust, clogs, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a provider, read over its warranty terms for materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Take some time to research online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to see what customers say about their experience. You can also ask neighbors who they would recommend for quality gutter guard businesses near you. When researching potential providers, we recommend selecting companies with positive reviews consistently over time rather than just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six primary gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that sit in your gutters to block debris. They're light and easy to install. Foam guards cost around $2.46 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 stopping debris. On average, you can expect to pay $4.36 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water flow through. They are durable and let debris slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.11 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are generally the most effective. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes than standard mesh guards and allow even less debris through. On average, you can expect to spend $5.19 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, also called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage water to flow into gutters while debris slides off. Generally, they are visible from the ground. Surface tension guards cost roughly $3.20 per linear foot.
