Guides
How to Choose a Gutter Contractor You Can Trust
Most gutter problems trace back to how the system was installed, not the product. Choosing the right contractor matters more than choosing the right brand.
Updated · Gutter Fixing Editorial Team
Searching for the best gutter company in your area brings up ads, review sites and directory listings. Ratings help, but they do not tell you whether a particular contractor is right for your house. This guide sets out what to check and what to ask, so you can compare companies on the things that decide how your gutters will perform.
Licensing and insurance
Licensing rules for gutter work vary by state and city. Some require a home improvement or contractor license; others do not license gutter work at all. Ask what your area requires and check the license number with the state or local board. More important everywhere is insurance: the contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation for their crew. Ask for certificates and check they are current. Without insurance, an injury on your property could become your problem.
What a good quote includes
- Gutter material, gauge or weight, size and profile.
- Total footage and whether the gutters are seamless.
- Hanger type and spacing.
- Number, size and location of downspouts.
- Removal and disposal of old gutters.
- Fascia inspection and how any repairs will be priced.
- Drip edge or gutter apron, if included.
- Guards, if included, with product and type.
- Workmanship warranty and product warranty, in writing.
- Start date, expected duration and payment schedule.
Questions to ask
- How long have you installed gutters in this area?
- Do you use your own crew or subcontractors?
- Will you check the fascia before hanging the new gutters?
- Why did you choose this size and number of downspouts for my roof?
- What happens if you find rot when the old gutters come off?
- How do you protect landscaping and the roof during work?
- Can I see photos of similar jobs or speak to recent customers?
Red flags
- Door-to-door sales after a storm with pressure to sign today.
- A large deposit demanded before any materials are ordered.
- No written quote, or a quote with just one total price.
- No proof of insurance.
- A price far below every other quote without a clear reason.
- Claims that a guard or system means the gutters will never need maintenance.
Reading reviews
Look at the pattern, not just the star rating. Several recent reviews describing tidy work, on-time crews and quick fixes for small problems are worth more than a perfect score from years ago. Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints. Reviews on independent sites are harder to manage than testimonials on a contractor's own website.
Comparing quotes fairly
Put the quotes side by side and check each line: same material and gauge, same gutter size, same downspout count and size, same hangers. A cheaper quote often uses thinner coil, fewer hangers or smaller downspouts. The lowest price is not always the best value if the gutters sag in a few winters. The gutter installation cost page explains typical price ranges.
The best gutter system for your house
There is no single best gutter system for every home. For most houses, seamless aluminum in a solid gauge, correctly sized, on hidden hangers, with enough downspouts, is the best value. Copper and zinc suit long-term and historic homes. Steel suits snow country and metal buildings. A good contractor explains why they recommend a system for your house rather than pushing the same package to everyone.
Finding contractors through this site
GutterFixing.com is a referral service. When you call, we connect you with an independent contractor in our network who serves your area. Contractors in our network quote in writing, and you are free to compare that quote with others before deciding. Use the questions above with any company you speak to, including ours.
Specialists versus general contractors
Many roofers, siding companies and handymen also install gutters. A gutter specialist usually owns seamless forming machines, carries a wider range of profiles and colors, and does gutters every day. A roofer is a good choice when the roof and gutters are being done together, because they can coordinate drip edge and flashing. A handyman can be fine for small repairs but may not offer seamless gutters or warranties. Match the company to the size of the job.
Timing your project
Gutter companies are busiest in autumn and after big storms. If your project is not urgent, booking in late winter, spring or summer can mean shorter waits and more attention from the crew. If you are replacing your roof, schedule the gutters right after the roofers finish so new drip edge and gutters fit together. For storm damage, get a temporary fix to stop water first, then compare quotes without pressure.
After the job
- Walk the job with the crew lead before they leave and look along every run.
- Run a hose at the high end of each run to test slope and joints.
- Check that old gutters, nails and debris were cleared from the yard.
- Keep the invoice, warranty papers and color names in a safe place.
- Note the date for your first cleaning and check-up.
Warranty claims
Read the warranty before you sign. Workmanship warranties cover leaks and sags caused by installation; product warranties cover the material. Ask how to make a claim, how quickly they respond, and whether the warranty transfers to a new owner. Report problems in writing with photos and dates.
Payment terms
A deposit is normal, especially for special-order colors or copper, but it should be a modest share of the total. Pay the balance when the work is complete and you have checked it. Avoid paying in cash without a receipt, and be wary of anyone who asks for the full amount before starting. A credit card payment gives some protection if a job is never done.
Local knowledge
A contractor who works locally knows the area's rainfall, snow load, common roof types and any permit rules. They are also nearby for warranty calls. Ask how far their service area extends and how quickly they respond to repair requests.
More in guides
- Underground Downspout Drainage: Burying Downspouts Right
- Leaking Gutters: Finding and Fixing Seam and Hole Leaks
- Do You Need Gutters? What Gutters Do for a House
- Drip Edge and Gutter Apron: The Strip That Saves Fascia
- Gutter Guard Types: Mesh, Screen, Foam, Brush and Hoods
- Best Gutter Guards: How to Choose for Your Trees and Rain
- Downspout Extensions and Diverters: Getting Water Away
- Clogged Downspout? How to Find and Clear the Blockage
- How Gutters Are Installed: Layout, Slope and Hangers
- Rain Chains and Rain Barrels: Using Your Gutters to Harvest Rain
- Gutter Water Damage: Foundations, Basements and Splash Guards
- Gutter Maintenance Checklist: A Season-by-Season Plan
- Sagging Gutters: Why They Sag and How to Fix Them
- Gutter Cleaning Tools: From Scoops to Ground-Level Wands
- How to Clean Gutters Safely, Step by Step