Gutters are an essential part of your home's exterior, but they can also be a major source of frustration. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping. They can also be a fire hazard during Australia’s warm summers, as embers from bushfires can easily collect in clogged gutters and ignite.

Gutter guards are a great way to prevent your gutters from clogging and save you a lot of hassle routinely clearing them out. If you're considering having them installed, it’s important you learn all you can about gutter guard installers so that you choose the right one.

This guide will run through:

• What gutter guard installers do
• The most common gutter issues
• How much it costs to hire a gutter guard installer
• How to hire a reputable gutter guard installer
• The best time of year to install gutter guards
• How to get quotes for gutter guard installers.

What does a gutter guard installer do?

Gutter guard installers typically perform the following tasks:

• Inspect your gutters to assess your needs and recommend the best product for your home
• Measure your gutters to ensure that the guards they install are the correct size
• Install the gutter guards according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Test the guards to make sure that they are working properly.

The most common gutter issues

Gutters play an important role in protecting your home from water damage as they collect rainwater and direct it away from your roof, foundation, and landscaping. However, gutters can also be a source of problems, especially if they are not properly maintained.

Some of the most common gutter issues include:

• Clogged gutters, often caused by leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping. They can also be a fire hazard, as embers from bushfires can easily collect in clogged gutters and ignite.
• Leaky gutters caused by cracks, holes, or rust. Leaky gutters can allow water to seep into your home, which can lead to mould growth and other damage.
• Sagging gutters due to age,gutter general wear and tear, or improper installation. Sagging gutters can allow water to overflow, which can damage your roof, foundation, and landscaping.
• Damaged gutters caused by storms, hail, or falling objects. Damaged gutters can allow water to leak into your home or overflow, causing damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping.

How much does it cost to hire a gutter guard installer?

The cost of hiring someone will vary depending on the size of your home and the gutter guards you choose.

Factors that would increase your total price include whether you have:

• A large or complex roof
• A lot of custom features on your home, such as skylights or a turret
• Difficult-to-access gutters
• Broken gutters that will need to be replaced before installing gutter guards.

Read more: How much does gutter replacement cost?

Most gutter guard installers price for lineal metre and you can expect a price between $50 and $90. 

For example, local Allcoast Roofing on the Gold Coast charges between $60 and $80 per lineal metre plus GST.

It’s important to note that the cost of hiring a professional is a small investment compared to the cost of repairing or replacing water-damaged gutters. 

Read more: How to hire the best local gutter installer near you?

How to hire a reputable gutter guard installer

Before you start reaching out to installers, it's important to educate yourself on gutter guards and why you may need gutter protection. Then, you'll be sure your questions are on the mark, as well as their answers.

Key questions to ask include:

• What types of gutter guards do you install?
• Can you provide references from previous clients?
• What is your warranty policy?
• What is the expected lifespan of the gutter guards you recommend?
• How do I maintain them?
• Do you offer any additional services, such as gutter repair?

Best time of year to install gutter guards

The best time of year to install gutter guards is during the spring or autumn. During these times of year the weather is usually mild and there is less rainfall, which makes it easier to do the work

In the summer, the weather can be very hot and humid, which can slow down the drying process of the caulking and sealant. In the winter, the weather can be cold and wet, which can damage the guards if they are not properly protected.

Getting quotes from local gutter guard installers

When obtaining quotes from gutter guard installers, be sure to gather multiple estimates so that you can make an informed decision. It’s recommended to reach out to at least three local professionals as well as checking their credentials and reviews on hipages. 

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.