What To Ask Your Gutter Guard Installer
Homeowners are responsible for a lot and knowing how to avoid being swindled by bad contractors and salesmen is not something many are prepared for. That’s why Gutterglove has created a “Homeowners Guide To Installing Gutter Guards.”
Some homeowners may want to tackle the project themselves, so they would want to explore the Gutterglove Do-It-Yourself option. But, when trusting someone else on your home, we recommend asking a few questions to ensure you have the best contractor and product for your home.
1. Are you licensed and insured?
Different states have different regulations on licensing and insurance, but overall all contractors must carry some type of liability insurance. If your contractor does not offer either, you should look for other options in your area.
2. How long will this project take?
Many factors can affect the timeline of this project such as weather, seasonality, and size of the house, but a typical installation of gutter guards could take anywhere between 1-3 days. Well-organized contractors should be able to give you a start date and estimated timeline.
3. Do you have any references or photos from previous jobs?
Experienced contractors will have a portfolio of similar work and should be willing to show you.
4. Can I get a sample of the actual product to see the quality?
Sometimes it’s not the contractor that is the problem, but the quality of product they offer. Ask for a sample and if they are not willing to show you, then that could be a red flag. Ask your contractor what other gutter guards they offer, or if you could buy a different product for them to install.
5. Is this gutter guard Fire Resistant?
According to California Building Code (7A), and many other states’ building codes, roof gutters in WUI areas must be WUI compliant. In California, that means the gutter covering has been tested to a strict set of standards defined by ATSM International.
ASTM International offers standards and proficiency testing for products that want to have proof of their quality.
Gutterglove products passed both ASTM: E2768 and ASTM: E84-19b for Extended Duration Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.
Basically, Gutterglove’s stainless steel guards can limit the surface spread of flame for at least 30 minutes, potentially protecting the home from further damage.
6. Is this gutter guard UL Certified for rainwater harvesting?
If you are interested in harvesting the rainwater from your gutters, gutter guards are essential. Plastic and other materials can contaminate the rainwater, or if it’s not finely filtered, it can leave the water with roof grit and other fine debris.
Gutterglove guards are UL Certified for rainwater harvesting (NSF P151 and NSF 372) and work like a fine-mesh strainer, prohibiting even tiny particles from polluting the rainwater. Read more about Gutterglove and rainwater harvesting by clicking here.
7. Can I get a cost in writing?
Trustworthy salesmen and contractors will put the agreed-upon costs in writing, and if something changes or needs to be added, they will have documentation of that.
8. After you install gutter guards will I ever have to clean my gutters again?
Contractors need to be honest about expectations: There is no self-cleaning gutter guard on the market. You may never have to clean OUT your gutters again, but routine maintenance is crucial. Most gutter guards will still require brushing off the top of the guards seasonally.
9. Will clean-up be done on the job site afterward?
This is a common courtesy that often gets overlooked, but if a homeowner mentions it upon agreement, then a contractor will be more inclined to keep their workspace clean.
10. Do your products successfully pass the ASTM testing standards?
ASTM International offers standards and proficiency testing for products that want to have proof of their quality.
Gutter Guard by Gutterglove passed both ASTM: E2768 and ASTM: E84-19b for Extended Duration Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. The stainless steel guards can limit the surface spread of flame for at least 30 minutes, potentially protecting the home from further damage. Learn More
11. Does the product you are installing have a patent?
The gutter guard market is becoming more and more saturated every day so make sure you are installing a product that has innovative technology that actually filters rainwater.
Gutterglove has multiple patents on its technology and features that other gutter guard makers are years from establishing.
-The advanced trough provides maximum water filtration while vastly improving overall performance.
-The aluminum extrusion holds the mesh in place and offers superior strength and performance.
-The bend in the mesh offers maximum strength and rigidity throughout the span of the gutter guard.
12. What is the warranty on this installation and product?
Some contractors may offer a workmanship warranty, but if not, the product should carry some kind of warranty.
Gutterglove products offer a 25-year warranty with some products extended to 40 years.
13. Who can I trust?
Homeowners can trust Gutterglove, The Nations Most Trusted Gutter Guards®, to provide the highest quality product available. Gutterglove has a nationwide list of installers who have experience with our product, that we will connect you with.
