Gutter Services
By choosing a full-service gutter installation company, you'll get the longest lifespan and best value from your system. The Chicago companies we recommend can handle all these jobs and more:
- Installation: Licensed gutter crews have the resources and knowledge to cut and install new gutters without damaging your roof.
- Cleaning: Gutters require regular cleaning. Chicago residents have moderate tree cover and rainfall, so they should clean their gutters two to four times per year.
- Gutter guard installation: Want to stop leaves from clogging up your downspouts? Are pests like birds nesting inside them? Gutter guards can help in both cases, and a qualified gutter guard installer can help you choose and install the right kind.
- Repair: Chicago homeowners are no stranger to gutter issues, from sagging and cracks to mildew and mold. A local gutter professional can promptly repair your gutters without breaking the bank.
If you like a particular gutter service provider, many offer long-term maintenance plans that cover new installation, routine cleaning, and repairs as needed. You could pay by the month or year for these packages.
How To Choose a Gutter Installer
Research potential gutter installers carefully before hiring to avoid overpaying or dealing with shoddy work. Here’s what to look for when researching gutter installation companies:
Assess Their Experience
Choose an established local company with years, or ideally decades, of gutter installation experience. An experienced company will understand your local climate and weather as well as local home architecture styles and can help you find the right gutters for your house. It will also have proven practices for safe and efficient gutter installation.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Before committing to a contract, verify that the company has the right credentials. Request to see licensing, bonding, and insurance documentation upfront. Proper credentialing indicates that the company operates above board and helps protect you from issues if property damage or an injury occurs during the project.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Spend time looking through online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google. Verify that the company has a proven record of high-quality work and great customer service. Look for long-term satisfied customers to evaluate a provider’s reliability. Watch for red flags such as poor communication or unfinished jobs. All the providers we recommend boast a good average rating across a high number of reviews.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for a gutter installer that's endorsed by the manufacturer through certification. This way, you’ll have a professional you can rely on who's trained to install your gutters per the manufacturer's specifications. This helps achieve the best results.
Examine Warranties
Only hire a company that offers strong manufacturer guarantees on materials as well as their own installation warranties. Look for warranties that last 5 to 10 years for standard aluminum gutters and 1 to 3 years for labor.
Gutter Installation Materials
Look for resilient materials – such as heavy-gauge aluminum – that won't easily rust, decay, or warp as time passes. Materials that can handle Chicago’s local weather are best. Also check that paints and finishes have an equally lengthy lifespan.
Questions to Ask
To properly evaluate potential gutter companies, you'll want to make sure to ask detailed questions such as these:
- How will you ensure the new gutters have the optimal pitch and slope to prevent standing water? Correct slope and pitch greatly lower overflow risk. Your gutter installation company should know how to properly align your gutter system on your roof.
- What warranties do you offer for materials and workmanship? High-quality materials are typically backed by 5–10 year warranties. Labor is typically back by a 1-3 year guarantee.
- How do you guarantee a smooth integration with my current roofing? See whether steps like underlayment replacement are included.
- How long is the full installation? Most providers are typically able to finish a gutter installation project in around a day.
- Are you also able to install gutter guards? Gutter guards help prevent obstructions that occur due to debris from trees falling into your gutters.
- Will you provide a detailed quote for both full gutter replacement and fixes for problem areas? Get proposals in writing to ensure you understand the cost of your gutter installation before the project begins.
- What materials are best for my gutters based on my specific home style and the local weather conditions? Factors such as Chicago's typical rainfall, snowfall, and the risk of inclement weather in your area will affect the type and size of gutter you should get. Learn the pros and cons of each gutter material.
Taking the time to thoroughly research all of your options will help you choose the right gutter installation company for your home's needs. Investing in new gutters can protect against much more costly water and structural damage later on.