Gutters are essential to a building’s drainage system because they collect rainwater from the roof and direct it away from the foundation, preventing water damage. However, if gutters aren’t maintained properly, they can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, causing water to overflow and damage the building. Therefore, you must hire a gutter contractor to inspect and repair when necessary.
Hiring a gutter contractor can be daunting, especially if you have little experience with home improvement projects. However, hiring a professional contractor can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. A good gutter contractor can assess your system, identify problems, and offer solutions to improve its performance. In addition, a professional contractor will have the tools, equipment, and expertise to install or repair gutters safely and effectively.
However, you must ask some questions to ensure that you are hiring a qualified and reliable professional before hiring a gutter contractor. Some questions to ask include:
#1 – What Size of Gutters Do You Install?
The size of gutters that a contractor installs can affect their performance. Gutters that are too small may not be able to handle heavy rainfall, leading to overflow and damage to the building. On the other hand, gutters that are too large may be more expensive and may not fit the building’s design. Therefore, asking the contractor what size of gutters they install is essential.
The gutter size required generally depends on what kind of building it is. Most residential buildings can get away with smaller gutters, while commercial buildings may require larger ones due to the larger roof surface area. The contractor should be able to provide you with a recommendation based on your building’s size and design.
#2 – How Can You Improve My Gutters?
A good gutter contractor should be able to offer suggestions on how to improve your gutter system. For example, they may recommend installing gutter guards to prevent debris from clogging the gutters or adding downspouts to improve water flow. They may also suggest repairing or replacing damaged gutters or hangers. By asking this question, you can gauge the contractor’s expertise and see if they are genuinely interested in improving your gutter system.
#3 – Do You Use a Level during Installation?
Installing gutters requires precision and accuracy. If gutters are not installed level, they may not perform properly and even cause water damage to the building. Therefore, asking the contractor if they use a level during installation is essential. A good contractor will use a level to ensure that gutters are installed properly and are sloped correctly to allow water to flow toward the downspouts.
#4 – Is Your Business Bonded and Insured?
Accidents can happen during gutter installation or repair. Therefore, you must hire a contractor who is bonded and insured. Bonding provides financial protection if the contractor fails to complete the job or causes damage to the property. Insurance provides liability coverage in case someone is injured on the job site. By asking this question, you can protect yourself from potential financial risks.
#5 – How Close Do You Space Gutter Hangers?
Gutter hangers are the brackets that hold the gutters in place. The spacing of these hangers can affect the stability and performance of the gutters. If the hangers are too far apart, the gutters may sag or pull away from the building. If they are spaced too closely, the gutters may not be able to expand and contract with temperature changes, causing them to warp or crack.
Hiring a Gutter Contractor
Hiring a gutter contractor will be tricky, but you can look at several factors, including:
Experience
Look for a contractor with several years of experience installing and repairing gutters. An experienced contractor will have a better understanding of the different types of gutters and hangers that are suitable for your home.
Reputation
Gutter contractors with a positive reputation are likelier to provide quality work and customer service. Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers on websites like Yelp and Google. You can also ask for references from the contractor and contact them to ask about their experience working with the contractor.
Tools and Equipment Used
Ensure the contractor uses high-quality tools and equipment to install or repair your gutters. This will guarantee that the job is done efficiently and effectively and that the gutters will last long.
Warranty
A reputable gutter contractor should offer a warranty on their quality and the materials used. Ask about the warranty and what it covers before hiring the contractor. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you are covered if there are any issues with the gutters.
Cost
Above all else, you must get your money’s worth when hiring a gutter contractor, so get quotes from different contractors and compare them. However, you must avoid the temptation to choose the cheapest option because it may not always be the best.
Conclusion
Hiring a gutter contractor can be a wise investment in your building’s maintenance and protection. By asking the right questions and doing your research, you can hire a qualified and reliable professional who can improve the performance of your gutter system and prevent water damage to your building. This way, your gutters will continue functioning properly and protect your property from water damage.
If you’re looking for gutter contractors, Over the Top Roofing & Restoration can help! Our professional gutter contractors will ensure your gutters are clean and well-maintained, and we also offer roofing services for residential and commercial properties. Call us today at (417) 988-9800 to schedule an appointment!
