Gutter Services
By hiring a full-service gutter installation company, you'll get the longest lifespan and best value from your system. The Oakland companies on our list can do all these jobs and more:
- Repair: Oakland homeowners are no stranger to gutter issues, from sagging and cracks to mold and mildew. A local gutter company can repair your gutters in no time, and without breaking the bank.
- Cleaning: Most Oakland homeowners should clean their gutters two to six times per year. Even the most seasoned weekend warriors, however, might dread climbing ladders and handling the mess themselves. A gutter company can save you time and sanity by doing the cleaning.
- Installation: An expert provider can help you install a new gutter system safely without violating your roof's warranty.
- Gutter guard installation: Gutter guards are a valuable tool to stop plant matter from clogging your downspouts. No matter the age or style of your gutter system, a local gutter guard company can install the right guards for them.
You can use a gutter company's services as you need. Sometimes, companies will offer long-term plans that cover installation, repairs, and routine cleaning, charging by the month or year.
How To Choose a Gutter Installer
Research potential gutter installers very carefully before hiring to avoid overpaying or dealing with shoddy work. Here’s what to look for when vetting gutter installation professionals:
Assess Their Experience
When searching for a gutter installation provider, opt for a local provider that's been in business for many years or decades. This experience indicates that the company understands your area's climate, weather patterns, and home designs, which helps them choose the right gutters for your house. Additionally, it'll have proven techniques for safe, efficient gutter installation.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Only hire a company that's fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask to see copies of their documentation before signing a contract. Proper licensing and insurance protects you from liability and indicates that the company is operating legally.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Spend time searching online reviews on sites such as Google, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp to verify the company's a proven track record of providing good customer service and great project results. Look for long-term satisfied customers to gain insights into the company's overall reliability. Look for any red flags, such as unresolved complaints or unfinished jobs. All our recommended providers boast a good average rating across a high number of reviews.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for a gutter installer that's officially certified by the manufacturer. This way, you’ll have a business with manufacturer-backed credentials that's trained to install your gutters per the manufacturer's specifications. This helps ensure the best results.
Examine Warranties
Choose contractors that provide robust manufacturer warranties on supplies, as well as their own installation guarantees. Look for 5-10 year guarantees on regular aluminum gutters and 1-3 year guarantees on labor.
Gutter Installation Materials
Look for resilient materials – such as heavy-gauge aluminum – that won't easily warp, decay, or rust as time passes. Materials that can handle Oakland’s local weather are best. Also check that paints and finishes have an equally long lifespan.
Questions to Ask
To properly evaluate potential gutter companies, you'll need to take the time to ask key questions such as these:
- How long is the full installation process? Most companies can complete installations in a day or so.
- How will you ensure the new gutters have the right pitch and slope to reduce standing water? Proper pitch and slope greatly reduces the chance of overflow. Your installer should know how to correctly align a gutter system with your home’s roofing specifications.
- Will you provide a detailed quote for both full gutter replacement and problem area fixes? Get quotes in writing from companies, so you understand exactly what the price of gutter installation will be before the project starts.
- Can you also install gutter guards? Putting in gutter guards helps prevent clogs that result from leaves and debris getting into your gutters.
- What warranties do you offer for labor and materials? Quality materials usually come with 5–10 year warranties. Labor is usually back by a 1-3 year warranty.
- What gutter materials are best for my specific home style and the local weather conditions? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each gutter material, taking into account key factors such as Oakland's expected annual rainfall and the size and capacity of the gutters.
- How do you guarantee a smooth integration with my current roof? Look for steps such as underlayment replacement.
Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate all your options helps you select the best gutter installer for your home. Investing in new gutters today protects against costly water and structural damage in the future.
