Gutter Services
By picking a full-service gutter installation company, you'll get the best value and longest lifespan from your system. The Shields companies we recommend can handle all these jobs and more:
- Repair: Whether you're dealing with holes, sagging, cracking, mold, or loose sections, an experienced Shields gutter company can identify and solve your gutter issues quickly.
- Gutter guard installation: By hiring a professional to install gutter guards, you'll boost your system's efficiency and improve its lifespan by preventing clogs from leaves and seeds. Guards also help stop pests from settling inside your gutters.
- Installation: An expert contractor can help you install a new gutter system safely while protecting your roof's warranty.
- Cleaning: Routine gutter cleaning is essential for success, but it isn't as simple as it looks. A professional can handle the dirty work for you to help prevent overflowing, clogging, and warping.
You can use a gutter company's services as you need. Some companies will offer long-term plans that cover installation, routine cleaning, and repairs, which are billed monthly or annually.
How To Choose a Gutter Installer
Research gutter installers thoroughly first, so you don't end up with poor work or an overinflated bill. When assessing gutter installation companies, look for:
Assess Their Experience
Look for an established local company with years, or ideally decades, of gutter installation experience. An experienced company understands your local climate and weather as well as local home architecture styles and can help you find the best gutters for your house. It will also have proven practices for safe and efficient gutter installation.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Only hire a provider that's fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask for copies of their documentation upfront before committing. Proper credentials and insurance protects you from liability and indicates that the company is operating legally.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Read online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Yelp. Verify that the company has a record of excellent work and good customer service. Look for satisfied longstanding customers to get insights into a company's reliability. Be on the lookout for red flags, like poor communication or unfinished jobs. All the providers we recommend boast a good average rating across a high number of reviews.
Choose Reputable Brands
Pick a gutter professional who's a certified installer through the manufacturer. These companies that completed the training program are trained to install gutters per the manufacturer's specifications in order to achieve the best results.
Examine Warranties
Only hire a company that offers strong manufacturer warranties on materials as well as their own installation guarantees. Look for warranties that last 5 to 10 years for standard aluminum gutters and 1–3 years for labor.
Gutter Installation Materials
Pick durable materials like heavy-gauge aluminum that won't rust, warp, or decay over time. The right materials will be able to hold up under the weather in Shields. Make sure any paints and finishes have an extended lifespan, too.
Questions to Ask
Be sure to ask specific questions when evaluating gutter installers. You'll want to ask questions including these:
- How do you guarantee a smooth integration with my current roof? Check whether steps like underlayment replacement are included.
- Are you also able to install gutter guards? Adding gutter guards helps prevent obstructions that occur due to debris from trees falling into your gutters.
- What steps do you take to ensure my new gutters have the optimal pitch and slope to prevent standing water? Correct pitch and slope greatly lower overflow risk. Your gutter installation specialist should know how to properly align your gutter system on your roof.
- Will you give me a detailed quote for both full gutter replacement and fixes for problem areas? Get proposals in writing to make sure you understand the price of your gutter installation before the job begins.
- What gutter materials do you recommend for my specific home style and the local weather conditions? Factors such as Shields' average rainfall, snowfall, and the risk of inclement weather in your area will affect the type and size of gutter you should get. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of each gutter material.
- What kind of warranties are there for materials and labor? Quality materials are usually backed by 5–10 year warranties. Labor is typically back by a 1-3 year warranty.
- How long is the installation process? Most companies can usually complete a gutter installation project in around one day's time.
Taking the steps to thoroughly vet and evaluate multiple companies will help you choose the right gutter installation company for your home. Upgrading to new gutters now helps avoid more expensive water and structural damage later on.
