(1) To safeguard homes from falling leaves, pine straw and other debris, gutter covers or gutter protection systems can help to protect your home’s most vital structural construction components.

(2) Always verify worker’s compensation and liability insurance before contracting with a gutter protection systems company, whose workers will be working at dangerous heights and positions on your home.

(3) When gutters are clogged, the rainwater runoff over the gutters can cause soil erosion around the foundation of the home and thereby can contribute to potential foundation problems.

(4) As the old saying goes; “you get what you pay for”. You don’t have to overpay, but be wary of the lowest prices you can find.

(5) Don’t wait until you have overflowing gutters or water intrusion. This can lead to expensive repairs, most notably, wood rot repair and possible termite damage.

(6) With standard gutters (no gutter cover system) the weight from clogs, debris or ladders can cause the gutter to sag or pull away.

(7) The problem with the “screen type” gutter covers is that debris can collect on top of the screens and can be unsightly. Moreover, smaller debris can fall through the screen and clog gutters. What’s more, pests (i.e., squirrels, rats, raccoons, etc.) can pull away screens. Lastly, “screen type” products are typically attached by clips that can rust and cause unsightly stains on the gutters face.

(8) Use a well-known and reputable company who you can always find in the future, or be able to easily contact for any reason.

(9) Ask the contractor for customer references who have had work performed similar to yours.

(10) Never pay the full price up-front and make sure the contract spells out the payment schedule.

(11) Consider leaf guards over gutters to prevent leaves from getting into the gutters if semi-annual cleaning is insufficient.

(12) Comparison shopping should be based on reputation, reliability, experience and price “value”, not just the lowest price of all proposals presented.