What to Look for in a Gutter Cleaning Service
Here at LeafFilter, our mission is to get homeowners off their ladders and leave gutter cleaning to the pros. With so many factors to consider (like insurance, warranties, and reputation), we know that choosing a gutter cleaning service can be overwhelming. To help make the process a little easier, we’ve compiled this list of the six things to look for when choosing a company to work with.
Find a company with a physical location that’s been in business for at least 2 years
A gutter cleaning service with a physical location that’s been in business for a few years without incident is a great initial indicator of a reputable company.
Many gutter cleaning services are operated out of individuals’ basements or from the back of a van. When a gutter cleaning service doesn’t have a physical office location, this should be a red flag for you to look elsewhere. Oftentimes, these companies are not properly insured and do not have the professional equipment required for safe gutter cleaning.
Ask specific and direct questions about their services
Of course, once you contact the company, you’ll want to ask a few additional questions to make sure they’re knowledgeable about their work.
Some companies cut corners by using gutter cleaners, such as gutter robots and extendable grabbers, which the pros have proven ineffective. This may happen when a servicer is inexperienced or when gutter cleaning is offered as a quick side job to a larger project, such as installing windows and doors. It’s good to ask the company about their methods, including any tools they use (like gutter cleaners).
Also, be sure to ask them how long they typically take to complete a job and how many people are on their crew. If it takes them a long time, or there are a ton of people who will be working on the job, you may have to pay more for the labor involved. It may also be an indication that they’re not as experienced as you’d like them to be.
The answers to your questions about gutter cleaners and other tools, timeframes, and workers will help you determine whether the company really knows what they’re doing.
Ask for proof of insurance
Perhaps the most important question to ask is whether a company is properly bonded and insured. Working high up on a ladder to clean your gutters is a dangerous task. In the event of an accident, it’s important that the company is bonded and insured so that you won’t be held liable for resulting injuries or damage. Ask to see a certificate of insurance to be 100% certain the company is completely covered before work begins.
See if they guarantee their services or provide a warranty
Gutter cleaning services should stand behind their work. Know that an unprotected gutter will naturally clog with debris after a certain period of time, but you should be covered for at least 60 days after the gutter cleaning has taken place. So, when choosing a company to hire, ask them if they guarantee their services for any amount of time.
If the company installed new gutters or gutter protection in addition to cleaning your gutters, see if they provide a warranty for their product. For example, LeafFilter is backed by a lifetime, transferable warranty, which is the best in the industry. We stand behind our product with confidence because we know it works. Learn more about the LeafFilter warranty.
If a company doesn’t provide a warranty for their product, know that you may have performance issues down the line. When these issues arise, it will be difficult to reach a resolution without the protection of a warranty.
Do your own research: Look online for credentials and positive reviews
Reviews from past customers will give you a good idea of what to expect when hiring a gutter cleaning service. So, when doing your initial research, check out third-party sites like Home Advisor, Angie’s List, and Yelp to find trustworthy reviews.
However, when reading these reviews, it’s important to keep an open mind and realize that some people just want something to complain about. If you’re truly concerned about a specific review, ask the company about it during your initial call. They may be able to explain what happened in further detail and provide information if the issue came to a resolution that wasn’t included in the review.
Another great thing to look for is credentials. When considering a large Canadian company, look for awards from third-party entities. For locally-based gutter cleaning services, look for mentions in trusted local publications (just make sure they’re not sponsored or funded by the company!).
Select a company with good customer service
Customer service is important to look for when choosing a company to work with. When scheduling your gutter cleaning service, how far out do they book you? Some companies may try to schedule you for a date far in the future – sometimes weeks or months out. But, when your gutters are clogged, time is of the essence. Clogged gutters can cause problems like foundation damage, flooding, landscape erosion, and more. If an appointment is set too far out, you may find yourself having to pay thousands of dollars to repair these other damages.
Find a company that will work to accommodate you as soon as possible. The friendly customer service representatives at LeafFilter will work with you to schedule your services as soon as possible so that you won’t have to deal with the damage of clogged gutters.
Gutter cleaning is a temporary solution to a permanent problem
If you’re sick of hiring someone to clean your gutters every few months, it’s time to consider gutter protection. An effective gutter protection system will keep leaves and debris out of your gutters, meaning you’ll worry less about gutter cleaning again. This year, when you’re hunting for a good company to clean your gutters, consider LeafFilter. We’ll clean, realign, reinforce, and seal your gutters so they’re working their best before we install our top-of-the-line gutter protection system. Fill out our form to schedule your free estimate today.
