In central Florida there’s just no room for making these mistakes. Not in an area that gets torrential rains. Let’s look at each one in turn so that you don’t have to deal with costly water damage later.

1. Deciding the house just doesn’t need gutters.

There are definitely some homes that do not need gutters. Unfortunately, your house is unlikely to be one of them.

One of the major criteria for a home without gutters is living in an area that doesn’t get much rain. That does not describe anyone living in our service area. Largo gets around 46 inches of rain every year. Ocala gets over 50 inches every year. Homosassa gets nearly 52 inches.

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2. Buying the wrong type of gutters.

We get it. You can put up gutters for $1 a foot if you go with vinyl gutters. We also get that you get what you pay for.

Is it really that big a shock that your vinyl gutters aren’t strong enough to handle gale force winds and torrential rains? That they’re falling off your house once more in just a few years? Do yourself a favor. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Get the right kind of gutters–long-lasting gutters that will protect your home.

3. Attempting to install your own gutters.

Improperly installed gutters cause leaks. It’s as simple as that. Loose gutters, improperly installed gutters, and a poor grasp of proper slope can all cause major issues.

A licensed gutter contractor can ensure that your gutters actually work once they’re on your home.

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4. You don’t clean your gutters.

Water can’t flow through your gutters and out the downspout if they’re full of muck and debris. Instead, it will spill over the side, where it will damage your foundations, your siding, your windows, your driveway, and your landscape.

Your gutters must be cleaned every spring and every fall.

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5. You try to take cleaning shortcuts.

Gutter cleaning is a nasty job. So we totally get the impulse to try to find some quicker, easier way to do it. Unfortunately, shortcuts can often do more harm and good.

If you really want to make it easier on yourself, just hire a licensed gutter contractor to clean your gutters instead.

6. You bought the wrong gutter guards.

Gutter guards can cut down your cleaning time by keeping almost all of the debris out of your gutters. However, you’re going to have a problem if you get those old fashioned metal guards with the big holes in them.

Pine needles and other fine debris slip right into the gutter with those things. Then you’re stuck having to uninstall and re-install these faulty guards, which is a pain.
Go for Flo-Free leaf guards instead. These gutter guards are made out of an industrial nylon that has a lifetime guarantee and has been around for over 25 years. They really work! They need a good scrubbing every once in awhile, but they don’t let much through other than water…which is the purpose of having a gutter guard in the first place.

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7. You try to use a cheap gutter contractor.

A “handy man” shows up at your house and offers to fix your gutters. He wants the total cost up front in cash. He either never finishes the job–or never even starts it.

This scam is more common than you think.

Sure, he’s charging less than licensed gutter contractors do. He’s also not doing the job, so you’ve basically thrown thousands of dollars away.

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All of these mistakes have something in common. They stem from people trying to take shortcuts–trying to save either time or money on a task and a purchase that is not very fun. We totally get it.

But paying over $10,000 to repair your foundation won’t be much fun either.

Give yourself some peace of mind. Get the job done right the first time. Call us for a free estimate on your gutter cleaning, replacement, and repair. You won’t regret it!