Gutter Cover System Things You Must Know Before You Buying!

Are you considering a clog-free gutter system for your home? Well, congratulations, a clog-free gutter system is a great investment. As with any investment, it makes sense to do your homework before making a final decision. There are lots of ideas on how to keep your gutters from clogging. Screens, filters and covers are all designed to keep leaves and debris out of your gutters, and most do...at least for a little while. You see, most of these designs are very old and haven't changed in 30 or 40 years. They work in the short run but rarely do they give you what you wanted all along...an end to the problem of clogged gutters.

When is a Gutter System really a “Gutter System”?

Current day gutter protection falls into a few categories. Screens, Filters, Hoods and Integrated Gutter Systems. By definition, only the integrated gutter system qualifies as a "gutter system". The others are not because they use your existing gutters. In a system, both the trough and hood are designed to work together to keep your gutters clog-free.

1. Screens: This category embraces most Do-It-Yourself products. They are inexpensive which may be their only advantage. They do nothing to address the problems being caused by your existing gutters and have no warranty.



2. Filters: Some products use a stainless steel mesh to cover the gutter. These products are called filters. Eventually though, they clog with pollen, dirt and dust and need to be changed. Here is a statement taken directly from one filter company's warranty. “IT IS THE OWNER(S) RESPONSIBILITY TO UNCLOG THE MESH.” Again, these products do nothing to address the problems being caused by your existing gutters.
3. Hoods: Aluminum panels that mount under your roof shingles and cover your existing gutters. These products are sometimes called systems, but because they use your old gutter, they aren't actually a system. They usually come with promises of huge savings (another gutter myth). And because they extend outward from under the shingles, they leave your fascia board exposed and make it look like your roof sticks out over the gutters.
4. Integrated Gutter Systems: True “gutter systems.” These systems are installed against the fascia, not under the shingles. James Dulley, a nationally syndicated home-improvement columnist, says, “The best method is to install an entire gutter system with an integral guard.” GutterShutter is the only integrated gutter system that looks like traditional gutter, has a high back trough, and a secured cover that can't be blown off by wind and storms.

Not all North Carolina Gutters are Created Equally

The most common gutter used is a "low back" aluminum gutter. Aluminum won't rust like older steel gutters but the "low back" design is poor. You see, when these gutters clog, the water goes behind the gutter since the back is lower than the front. When water goes behind the gutter it can get behind the fascia where it causes wood rot and interior water leaks. Gutter Shutter's "high back" gutter design prevents water from ever going behind the gutter. And because our gutter is a seamless, heavy gauge aluminum, you will never have any leaky joints and you'll never have to worry about placing a ladder against it.

Using your Existing Gutters Will NOT save Thousands

It's more likely, over time, that your old gutters will cause as much as 10 times their value in home repairs because of their poor design. It just doesn't make sense to keep them. Companies selling screens, covers and filters want you to believe that you're going to save a lot of money by using your old gutters. The truth is that you can install a complete Gutter Shutter system for the same or less money. In fact, only Gutter Shutter offers you a "Best Value" guarantee.

How Did You Hear About Us?

TV ads, radio ads and celebrity endorsements are all used to advertise clog-free gutters. But buyer beware...expensive marketing plans don't make them better, they just make them expensive. These "marketers" want you to believe they are the biggest and therefore, they must be the best. The truth is that you'll be paying for all of those expensive ads and celebrity endorsements when you sign the contract. It's best to get estimates and consider more important independent references like those from Angie's List or your local BBB.

Know Who You're Doing Business With

When it comes to home improvements, locally owned and operated companies are simply the better choice. If there's ever a problem that needs to be addressed, you can easily meet the owner and work things out. If the owner is 3 or 4 states away, it may not be so easy. Today there are several companies that want you to believe they're right here in Charlotte. The truth is that the "boss" isn't. For example, one company sells a product that was first sold in 1981 but not here in Charlotte. They didn't open a Charlotte office until 2004. Since then, the franchise has been owned by 4 different guttter companies. Unfortunately, their ads skip over the truth only to brag that they've been in Charlotte for more than 25 years. It's very deceiving. You should always check to make sure the owner is close by. Just in case.

Check with the Gutter Cover Company on BBB or Angie's List

For as long as I can remember people have been telling me how some company ripped them off. I always ask if they checked the BBB or Angie's List and the answer is always the same...NO! Today you can check a company out in just a few minutes. Check to see if they're BBB members and when they joined. This date is a more accurate estimate of how long they have been in business locally. Also check to see which state they incorporated in. Services like the BBB and Angie's List are good indicators of how a gutter company might treat it's customers. This "need to know" information should be checked before you sign a contract. Remember, it only takes a few minutes to be sure.

Check the Gutter Cover Company's References

Don't be afraid to contact other people that have done business with the gutter company you're considering. If the salesman tells you "I'm not going to show you the bad ones so what difference will that make" you should keep looking. This is an old sales line used to dodge the "reference" question. ~ good company with happy customers will always be glad to share those names and projects with you.

Request an Official Insurance Certificate

Even when a gutter company tells you that they have insurance, even if they show you a certificate of insurance, you should request a new certificate of insurance that has your name and address on it. This should come to you directly from the underwriter, not the salesman. If their insurance is canceled for any reason before doing your project you will be notified. Otherwise you could have un-insured workers on your property and if they get hurt you could be liable. They should have public liability and workers compensation insurance.

Special Financing – Privelege or Punishment?

Here's a big red flag. Just about any company that offers project financing can offer you short term (90 days) "Same as Cash" financing. But know this, beyond 90 days you will be paying for that privilege. Terms from 6 to 18 months can add as much as 15% to the total project price. The additional cost gets hidden in the deal so you never see it. Because the cost is hidden you don't know that you're paying it...but you are.

Beware of “Tonight Only” Specials and Other Questionable Sales Tactics

• Phone calls to the "boss" offering tonight only specials. These usually include high pressure tactics to make a decision now and rarely end up in favor of the customer.
• Special ' per foot " pricing. This is a big trap. A salesman will quote a low per foot price just to "get in the door". When it's time for the final quote the numbers never work out. The low price was for thinner materials, didn't include second or third story work and didn't include details like corners or downspouts.
• We have materials left over from another job. This is very unlikely to be true. It is most often used to cover up phony price discounts.
• We can start tomorrow. Most states have a "buyers right to cancel" clause. If YOU let a company start and later find out that you don't want what they sold you it may be too late.

If you have any questions about our gutter protection system, please contact GutterShutter Company of Charlotte today.