(1)To safeguard homes from falling leaves, pine straw and other debris, gutter covers or gutter protection systems can help protect your home’s most vital structural construction components.
(2)The typical gutter cap (protection) system design incorporates a smooth piece of curved and painted metal, which is installed over the top of the gutter to prevent debris and leaves from collecting in your gutters. Water flows down the roof and directly onto the cap and the water clings to the cap’s surface as it flows over it. The cap system is designed in such a way that water is drawn down and around and under the cap and into the gutter. Debris, leaves and pine needles will fall to the ground since they do not adhere to the cap’s surface.
(3)When gutters are clogged, the rainwater runoff over the gutters can cause soil erosion around the foundation of the home, and thereby 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. Oversized downspouts are very cost effective as they drain faster and don’t clog easily which lessens the load on gutters for better maintenance free longevity.
(7)Always verify Liability insurance before contracting with a gutter protection systems company, whose workers will be working at dangerous heights and positions on your home.
(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. If your contractor uses sub-contractors, check to see if they carry the appropriate insurance. If not, the general contractor should carry the appropriate insurance to cover them both.
(9)Comparison shopping should be based on reputation, reliability, experience and price ‘value’, not just the lowest price of all proposals presented.
(10)Do not help contractors or their workers, and do not lend them your tools. If a worker is hurt while you are assisting (e.g., holding a ladder) or is hurt using one of your tools, you may be liable via a ‘tort claim’ by the worker or contractor.
(11)Ask the contractor for customer references who have had work performed similar to yours.
