While it’s possible to install your own gutters, the more responsible approach is to hire a gutter professional or general contractor. Gutter installation requires taking precise measurements, making complex calculations, using specialized tools and of course knowledge of proper installation techniques and best practices.
Knowing these best practices helps you better evaluate the quality of their workmanship. In this post, our replacement windows contractor at Homecraft® Inc. shares an inside look at professional gutter installers’ best practices.
1. Making a Detailed List. Professionals will have everything they need when they arrive on site. They will not forget any tools, materials or equipment. This is because they keep a detailed checklist and will ensure every item on the list is checked off before driving to the worksite.
2. Using the Best Equipment. Contractors don’t force tools to do a job they were not designed to do. These tools include a good pair of snippers and reliable crimpers for factory-precise, down-facing crimps.
3. Taking Precise Measurements. Professionals measure the roofline where they will install the gutters. Then they measure the material and join the sections on the ground. On the ladder, they’ll make any necessary adjustments. A professional will also measure the slope of the gutters, which has to be done precisely to ensure water flows smoothly toward the downspout.
4. Using Screws. A good gutter and vinyl windows contractor knows that screws do a better job than standard rivets when it comes to downspout installation. Screws are easier to remove if the downspout has to be replaced or cleared of a clog. The screws they use are also pre-painted to match the gutter color.
5. Applying Sealant. A common DIY mistake is applying sealant without ensuring the gutter is dry. A professional will not miss this, because sealant dries better when the surface is completely dry.
6. Cleaning Up Construction Mess. Every good professional knows how important it is to leave the customer’s property as clean as it was when you arrived. They make sure to take with them their leftover materials and supplies, leaving you with not only a soundly installed system but also a great impression of the company.
Homecraft Inc. is the Delaware gutter and wood window installation experts can design and install a gutter system that is custom-fit for your home. Our gutters are properly sized and configured to direct the flow of water safely away from your home. This includes durable, Mastic seamless gutter troughs that are securely fastened to your home, along with wide downspouts that accommodate the heaviest flow all year long.
Count on Homecraft Inc. for durable, reliable rain gutters! Call us at (302) 703-1109 or simply fill out our convenient online request form to schedule a free in-home estimate for gutters. We serve clients in Wilmington and Bear, DE.
