When most people begin shopping for any high-priced item, they almost always look for a warranty. Whether it’s a new stove, washer and dryer, or any other major home system (gutters included), having a warranty to back it up ensures problems don’t wind up coming out of their own pocket. Take, for instance, the purchase of a new car. Most people would never drive off a car lot without a warranty from the manufacturer (at minimum) to prove they believe in the quality of what they are selling. The same principle applies when it comes time to invest in a new gutter system.
Although the conversation surrounding getting new gutters often centers around choices involving material, color, and pricing, one detail that can end up costing big if overlooked is the warranty. Revealing a great deal about the company behind the work, knowing what kind of warranties a company offers before hiring them is key to a high-quality, properly installed gutter system. If you take the time to search for the best company to partner with, you often find companies who proudly stand behind their workmanship for decades, and those that offer limited protection or none at all.
We’ve created this guide to answer one of the most commonly asked questions about gutter companies: Do they all offer warranties? Before rushing into a bad contract, read this guide to better understand what warranties are and what the presence (or absence) of warranties says about a gutter company. We’ll also teach readers the right questions to ask to understand any protection included, as well as other factors that contribute to the system’s longevity.
Do All Gutter Companies Offer Warranties?
To answer simply, no.
Not every gutter company offers a warranty, and some provide limited protection. Limited warranties might cover manufacturer defects in the material while offering nothing on craftsmanship or installation, and other gutter companies include coverage on everything (material, labor, installation). Because this variation exists, homeowners considering gutter installation should always compare warranties just like they would prices. Although a lower-priced installation may seem like the better value, when problems arise and no warranty exists, homeowners realize they would have been better off paying a little more upfront for long-term protection. To truly appreciate the value of warranties, let us better understand what they even are and what they cover.
What Exactly Is a Gutter Warranty?
Most of us are familiar with warranties. Whether we have purchased a new car, electronic device, or appliance, chances are, we have experience with having a warrantied item. Essentially a written promise, a warranty for a new gutter system ensures that certain problems will be repaired if they occur for a specific period of time. Depending on the gutter company, warranties might include:
- Damaged/defective materials
- Improper installation/installation errors
- Premature product failure
- Structural failure under normal use and with proper care
- Specific replacement parts
Each gutter company in Roanoke will vary in warranty coverage and terms, which is why it is important for homeowners always to ask what is and isn’t covered and for how long. Some companies combine different warranties for a more complete and comprehensive coverage plan, demonstrating their confidence in the quality and craftsmanship of the systems they install. Now, we’ll look at the two types of warranties a gutter company might offer, helping homeowners evaluate what each company is truly promising.
Two Types of Gutter Warranties Every Homeowner Should Understand
Gutters are more than a financial investment today; having a new gutter system installed is a long-term investment in your home’s protection for the future. Varying in scope of coverage and length, not all warranties are created equal. The following are the two most common warranties offered when having a new gutter system installed:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: A manufacturer’s warranty speaks to the quality of materials a certain gutter company offers. Covering defects on the material itself, manufacturer warranties reflect confidence in the quality and longevity of materials being used.
Workmanship/Craftsmanship Warranty: The best gutter systems must be made of quality materials, but without proper installation, even the best systems made from the highest-quality materials will fail. A workmanship warranty, sometimes also referred to as a craftsmanship warranty, covers the installation itself. Covering issues stemming from improper slope, loose hangers, leaking seams, or other installation-related failures, workmanship warranties are every bit as important as a manufacturer’s warranty (if not more).
Speaking volumes about the confidence a gutter company has in its own work, the strongest warranties cover both craftsmanship and materials for comprehensive protection. This begs the question: why would a company not offer warranties?
Why Some Gutter Companies Do Not Offer Warranties
When shopping for a new gutter system, homeowners often wonder why one contractor provides warranty coverage while another does not. While no one can be sure why this is the case, there are several possible reasons.
First, if a company uses lower-quality materials that are not designed to last, the manufacturer usually will not offer long-term protection.
The gutter company may subcontract work during installation and cannot guarantee the quality of the finished product because the company you hired did not do the install themselves.
Or maybe the business operates primarily by focusing on completing as many projects in as little time as possible. In this case, the business model is geared towards completing as many jobs as possible rather than focusing on long-term protection and customer satisfaction.
No matter the reason, hiring companies that do not offer warranty coverage is a risk few homeowners should take. With heavy rainfall, seasonal debris, and winter freezing and thawing that homeowners in Roanoke are familiar with, issues with the gutters are likely to arise over time.
What a Strong Warranty Says About a Company
Offering warranties is not just a strong marketing tool. A comprehensive warranty is evidence that a company believes in the quality of the materials it uses and the labor it performs. Strong warranties tell homeowners that a company believes in:
- The quality of materials used
- The skill and excellence of its installers
- Installation methods used
- A long-term commitment to the customer
- Its reputation in the community
Working with a company willing to guarantee its work for decades, homeowners can move forward with the confidence that their new gutter system will protect their home for years to come. And when things go wrong, having a company that stands behind its work means making things right if/when they ever do.
Why an 87-Year Warranty Stands Apart
While many gutter companies offer standard warranties, some go above the industry norms. For example, our 87-year warranty combines long-term workmanship protection backed by manufacturer warranties by using premium materials. Considering that most gutter systems will never remain in service this long, this level of coverage reflects the company’s expectation that the gutters they install will last for their expected lifetime. Including both craftsmanship and manufacturer warranties, our 87-year warranty demonstrates our commitment to our customers and confidence in the systems we install, going well beyond the short-term sale.
10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Gutter Company
Before hiring a gutter company in Roanoke, homeowners should always invest the time to understand exactly what protection is included in the contract. Helpful questions to ask before signing on the dotted line include:
- Do you offer warranties?
- Does it cover materials, labor, or both?
- How long does each piece of the warranty last?
- Is the warranty transferable if I sell the home?
- Are there any exclusions to coverage?
- What situations would cause my warranty to be voided?
- What is the process to make a warranty claim?
- Does it cover normal weather conditions in Roanoke?
- Do you perform the warranty repairs when needed?
- Can you provide examples or references of past warranty claims you have honored?
Before signing any contract, homeowners should ask all gutter companies to provide the warranty details in writing. A reputable gutter company will always be more than willing to answer all your questions and provide documentation to back it up.
Remember, Warranties Are Not a Replacement for Maintenance
Warranties are an extra layer of protection for when something goes wrong; they are not a replacement for proper care and maintenance. Like most systems in your home, gutters require occasional maintenance and routine cleaning to continue working as intended. Homeowners need to continue cleaning gutters at least twice a year, inspect for damage, and schedule periodic professional maintenance when concerns arise. A good maintenance routine will not only help extend the life of the system, but it will ensure homeowners remain in compliance with certain warranty requirements.
The True Measure of A Gutter Company
Warranties are important. Protecting homeowners from faulty materials and poor installation, comprehensive warranty coverage is one way to measure a contractor’s professionalism. Not only is it key to work with a company that offers a warranty, but homeowners must also pay attention to the length of the coverage. When a gutter company is willing to stand behind its work for decades, it speaks volumes about its confidence in the work it does and the systems it installs. For homeowners preparing to evaluate gutter company options, take the time to get your questions answered and carefully review the written warranty details. With a greater understanding of different warranties available, differences in duration, and getting answers to all the questions, homeowners can make the best decision not just for their gutters today, but for protection for many tomorrows.