Some home improvement projects are fun, like replacing a garage door or painting. The work is minimal yet the overall effect on your home is stunning and can even affect the value of your home.
Other projects are a little more mundane. You know they are important for the proper functioning and maintenance of your home. But you don’t necessarily get excited when you think about getting them done.
One of those things is taking care of the gutters. Gutters are extremely important for keeping your home safe from water damage. But they don’t change the appearance of your home much and just aren’t that exciting.
That’s why hiring a local gutter company to handle the project is a perfect idea. You don’t have to do it, you don’t have to worry about it anymore, and your home is protected. Win-win!
However, you shouldn’t hire the first company that you run across. That’s a good way to get yourself in trouble or have problems with a shady company. Here’s what you need to know before hiring professional gutter installers.
What Are Gutters?
Gutters are trenches that run along the edges of your roof, catching rainwater runoff. They then funnel the water along until it reaches the downspouts, which are vertical pipes that carry the water to the ground and direct it away from your home.
The benefits of gutters are two-fold. They help keep your home cleaner because there isn’t splashback from the ground onto the walls when it rains. Plus, it keeps water away from the base of your home and helps avoid foundation troubles or water getting into your basement.
Size Matters
When choosing gutters, you need to choose the right size for your home and area. A roof with more square footage will require a bigger gutter to allow for the water to flow more freely.
The typical rainfall for your area also plays a part. Some areas receive downpours regularly that will also require bigger gutters so they don’t quickly become overwhelmed and overflow. Other areas receive milder rainfall and won’t require as big of a gutter.
The right local gutter company will be able to advise you on the perfect size gutters for your home.
The Right Flow
The gutters aren’t the only thing you have to think about when planning how the water will flow. You also have to take into consideration the pitch of the roof (how steep it is) and the downspouts.
It’s important that all these components work together well. This will ensure that the water is carried away from your home as it should be.
Open vs Closed Gutters
One more thing to take into consideration is if you should leave the gutters open or close them with a gutter guard. This depends on the environment surrounding your home.
If there are a lot of trees and other greenery that will drop debris on your roof and fill up the gutters, gutter guards are a great idea. This will help cut down on the maintenance required to keep the gutters clear, allowing the water to flow freely.
If the area around your home is open, guards may be an unnecessary expense. Of course, the gutter company can help you decide on the right factors and set up for your situation.
But how do you choose the right company? Let’s look at a few questions you can ask.
Do They Have the Proper License and Insurance?
Does the company you’re considering have the proper license and insurance? Requirements vary by state but every state requires some kind of licensure. This protects you as a consumer.
Insurance is also a necessary piece of the puzzle. Liability insurance is important in the event that the workers cause inadvertent damage to your property. You won’t be left having to pay for it.
Worker’s compensation insurance is a must. If anyone is injured while working on your property, worker’s compensation insurance will ensure that you’re not responsible for their medical bills.
It’s a good idea to request proof of these insurances rather than just take the company’s word for it.
Do They Offer a Guarantee?
Any local gutter company worth their salt should be willing to stand behind their work with a guarantee. Look for a company that guarantees their work. This will help protect you from shoddy workmanship.
How Is Their Reputation?
Ask around about the company you’re considering. Chances are, someone you know has worked with them and can tell you about their experience.
Alternatively, asking around is also a good way to find a great company in the first place. Recommendations from friends and family are the most surefire way of finding a company that will treat you well and do a good job.
Ready to Hire a Local Gutter Company?
Now that you know what to look for, all that’s left is to hire the right local gutter company. Look for a company that is trustworthy and offers, not only installation, but cleaning and maintenance, and will help you prepare your gutters for winter.
Regular gutter cleaning and maintenance is important to ensure that your home is protected from one of the biggest causes of damage, standing water. If you’re going to hire a company, it’s good to find one that you can work with going forward.
Ready to get started? If you’re looking for a great local gutter company in the Tacoma area, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll be happy to help you with all your gutter installation and maintenance needs!
