Can do-it-yourself gutter guards save me money? This is one of the most common questions homeowners have when considering repairs to this part of the house.
While many would say it’s the best way to go, professionals with experience would say otherwise. Not only can it quickly become unsafe, but it can also lead to much bigger problems costing you more money in the long run.
If you’re asking, “Why should I have a professional install my gutter guards?” just check out these reasons why DIY gutters are a bad idea.
Installing DIY gutter guards is not safe
Many people make the mistake of underestimating just how serious the task of installing gutter guards is. After all, it’s “only” a supporting addition to the roof gutters. However, it’s precisely this location that makes it potentially dangerous.
Anything that requires work on the roof has a high risk potential, specifically slips and falls. Managing your balance while also handling the tools needed can put you in a tricky position. The sobering fact is that as many as half a million Americans suffer from fall-related injuries every year, 300 of which turn out fatal.
Leaving this job to professionals is much safer because they know the first thing to keep their safety. Not to mention, they have the right tools, like safety ladders, to carry out the job efficiently and safely.
Installation mistakes can be more damaging to your gutters
Gutter installation can be done quickly and easily in the right hands. At the same time, it requires accuracy and efficiency. Installation mistakes not only set back the completion of the job, but it also risks damaging the gutters themselves, only adding more to your problems.
Not fitting them correctly, for example, can impact the wind-uplift resistance of the gutter, which could lead to it being torn or blown away. This, in turn, can possibly lead to other damages to the property or even injury to anyone who might be around.
Another common issue is when the person doing the DIY doesn’t position themselves well on the ladder and ends up holding onto the gutters. One wrong move and they could grab onto the gutters, which are definitely not meant to bear a person’s full weight.
DIY gutter guards could void your roofing warranty
Your roofing maintenance needs are separate from your gutter and gutter guard needs. So if you insist on doing DIY work on your gutters and somehow damage your roof, know that it will void the warranty of your roofing material.
This is an unnecessary issue that you’ll have to deal with and will cost you even more money. So you might as well just leave it in the hands of the pros to not make any more problems for yourself.
So, are professionally installed gutter guards worth the money? Given all the reasons stated above, the simple answer is yes. Treat your gutter guards as the important component in your house that it is. Be wise with your investment, and take your gutter guard installation seriously.