Most homeowners know that they ought to keep their gutters clean, yet many put it off. Unfortunately, keeping your gutters clean isn’t just a matter of keeping your home looking tidy. Clogged gutters can damage your fascia, soffit, or even your roof.
Worse, getting even a small repair on your roof will typically cost you around $900. A full-on roof replacement can run you in excess of $8000.
With that kind of money on the line, installing a gutter guard makes sense. It helps keep debris out of your gutter. Of course, then you either handle the guard installation yourself or go for a pro installation.
Not sure which is best? Keep reading for the pros and cons of each to help you make a choice.
What Is a Gutter Guard?
A gutter guard is typically a mesh or other perforated material that slips over the top of your gutter. The guard lets water running off your roof pass through while keeping out leaves and twigs. This helps keep your downspout clear.
DIY Gutter Guard Installation Pros
A DIY gutter guard installation has a few obvious benefits. Getting any professional service done on your home will cost you. While gutter guard installation costs pale in comparison to roof repairs, it’s still money many homeowners prefer to save.
Doing the installation yourself also lets you pick the timing. With so many people working remotely, daytime home repairs can prove inconvenient and disruptive.
DIY Gutter Guard Installation Cons
One big downside of DIY installation is that you assume all of the risks. If you own a two-story home, a fall can mean serious injury.
Many homeowners also lack the knowledge to calculate the slope of their roof. Gutter guards can prove ineffective on steeply-sloped or shallowly-sloped roofs.
Gutter Guard Installation Services Pros
Opting for professional gutter guard installation frees you from any risks associated with installation. Some gutter guards require screwing the guard into place, which can prove a challenge without experience.
Pros, such as heinscontracting.com, will arrive with all the equipment they need. Picture things like ladders of sufficient length, power drills, and power drivers.
Gutter Guard Installation Services Cons
The downside of a professional installation is the cost. You’ll pay for materials and labor, and typically you won’t know the final cost until your done. You must also work around the times the company can schedule you, which may or may not be convenient for you.
DIY vs Pro Gutter Guard Installation: Choosing
Choosing between a DIY or pro gutter guard installation usually boils down to three main considerations: cost, experience, and risk. For homeowners with strained budgets, a DIY installation may prove the only viable option.
If budget isn’t your main concern, your experience with DIY projects and the risks of installation take center stage. Highly experienced DIYers might choose to handle it themselves if they live in a one-story home. For second or third-floor installations, though, it’s a job for pros.
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