Dealing with stormy weather and torrential rains is trouble enough for your home without having to deal with flooding caused by gutter problems. Clogged or broken gutters can cause much more damage than a storm or rain. A gutter clogged with dirt, leaves or other debris can create an overflow of water and will no longer direct it to its proper drainage points. Broken gutters could cause unnecessary leaks in your roof and put your home at risk of water damage. It’s important to make sure you have functional gutters in your home, but who can you trust to repair or install new gutters? Here are 5 questions to ask before hiring a gutter repair company.
1. Are they trustworthy?
You want to start by asking the obvious questions. How long have they been in business? Are they known for their good business practices? Do they have rave testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals? You want to ensure that the business you choose has an excellent level of experience in gutter repair.
2. Are they local?
Local businesses are going nowhere. Owners and workers tend to take more pride in the work they do and it can be seen throughout the town or city in which they reside. Establishing yourself in the community you serve helps stimulate business and maintain a competitive advantage. As a homeowner, choosing a local business ensures that you will have good customer service and someone close by to honor your warranty(s) if the need arises.
3. What size gutters do you install?
In the past, most homes came with standard size gutters. However, in today’s market there are many different styles of roofing and, consequently, different types and sizes of gutters. You’ll want to be sure to ask what types and sizes of gutters they repair and install so you can feel confident in their ability to meet your needs, especially if you own a home with a new roofing style. If you live in a place with heavy rainfall, you likely have a larger capacity gutter system and you’ll want to make sure your contractor has the necessary experience.
4. Do they ensure proper leveling?
Even if the best brand name gutters are purchased and installed, they will not work properly if they are not leveled properly. Improper leveling can lead to the very problems that require the repairs in the first place. Without a properly pitched gutter, you may still have those leaky roofs and puddles of water on the patio and have to spend your time scheduling a reinstall.
5. Are they bonded and insured?
Some contractors may offer unbelievably low prices that seem too good to be true. In most cases they are. Gutter and roofing companies pay higher premiums than other companies in the industry due to the nature of their work. As a result, part of this expense is passed on to the consumer. However, this is to your benefit as it relieves you of any liability that may arise from worker injuries and accidents.
The next time you need gutter repair, use these 5 tips to select the contractor that works for you.