Gutter Protectors: 5 Things to Ask Before Buying Them

If you’re concerned about debris clogging up your gutters, then you may want to consider a system of gutter protectors. These are usually gutter covers of some sort that are designed to keep out leaves and needles while allowing water to freely drain into the gutters.

If you’ve already started looking for gutter protectors, you’re probably well aware that there are various brands and types of gutter protectors to choose from. Here are five questions to ask yourself before purchasing one.

Source: http://www.sxc.hu

1. Can I install them myself? If you buy your gutter protectors at the hardware store or home improvement center, ask a sales associate whether they recommend letting contractors install them or doing it yourself. If you’re looking at a certain product that you’ve seen advertised somewhere, be aware that certain types of gutter protectors require that the company or dealer install them.

1. How are installation costs figured? If you need to have your gutter protectors installed by someone else, be sure to ask not only for a cost estimate, but also how the company arrives at that figure. Is it a flat fee based on the square footage of your home, or does the installer charge by the linear foot? Will you be charged extra for a multistory home or for each corner or bend? Make sure you understand the contractor’s cost structure before agreeing to any installation job.

1. Do you guarantee the results? Many companies like to toss around the word “guarantee” when talking about their service, but you should inquire as to exactly what products or results are being guaranteed. Are they only guaranteeing their labor? Or do they promote some type of “no-clog guarantee” for your gutters? If the latter is the case, determine what constitutes a clog and identify the procedure for getting the company to remedy the situation. Finally, if they are guaranteeing that they are giving you the lowest price, figure out how they will compensate you if you find a better deal elsewhere.

1. What kind of warranty do these gutter protectors have? Most products come with some type of warranty, but some installers will claim that their gutter protectors will last for a certain period of time (or forever). Be sure to ask them what must happen to your gutters before they will replace them under warranty (i.e., rust spots, leaks or cracks, allowing debris to clog gutters, falling off your roof, etc.). Many contractors are counting on homeowners to ignore a warranty’s fine print, so be sure to educate yourself and keep track as to whether the gutter protectors are lasting as long as they should.

1. Will installing these gutter protectors void my roof warranty? This is one aspect of gutter protectors that consumers often don’t think about. While many gutter protectors simply lay atop your gutter or fasten to the gutters themselves, certain products attach directly to the side or top of your roof. In these cases, the installation of these products may cause a roof’s warranty to become null and void. If your roof is beyond its warranty period, then this won’t apply to you. Otherwise, find your most recent roofing contract and check to see if it has a warranty which covers leaks – and whether or not gutter protectors will violate the terms of the agreement.

Installing gutter protectors is a serious investment, so you want to make the right choice the first time. That’s why it’s vital to ask questions before putting the gutter protectors on your home.

Page content © 2011 Keyword Connects