By By Martin J. Lecker,Metro Creative Connection

Copyright berkshireeagle

Time to get new gutters for your roof? Want to be on top of things before selecting a gutter installation service? See what our two experts recommend, so you are a more informed consumer.

Lindsay and Ryan Neathawk, Neathawk Seamless Gutters co-owners in Williamstown, recommend in addition to checking online reviews and asking for referrals when evaluating a gutter installation service, homeowners should look for signs of professionalism, transparency and most importantly, strong communication. From the first phone call to the final walkthrough, the company should be responsive, respectful and proactive.

A reputable gutter company should also be fully insured, provide detailed written estimates, and be willing to answer any questions clearly and thoroughly. The written estimate should include installation specifics such as removal and disposal of old gutters, installation of downspouts, corner miters and splash blocks, as well as any extras like leaf guards or fascia repair.

If these details are not spelled out, you may end up with surprise costs later, they warned.

Remember to ask about the pitch and placement of the gutters. Poorly pitched gutters can lead to standing water, which causes sagging, rust, or ice damming in colder months. A professional installer should evaluate your roofline and recommend the best setup for optimal water flow.

Check whether the company custom-fabricates seamless gutters on-site. Seamless gutters minimize the risk of leaks and require less maintenance over time compared to sectional gutters, which have joints that can weaken or separate, costing you more money down the line to fix or replace.

Ask about leaf guard or gutter protection systems. These are mesh or cover-style add-ons that prevent leaves, pine needles, and other debris from clogging your gutters. While they add to the upfront cost, they can significantly reduce the need for frequent cleanings and help your gutter system function properly year-round.

Not all guards are created equal — some can even make clogs worse if poorly installed or cheaply made — so it’s important to choose a system recommended by a professional based on your home’s surroundings and tree coverage.

“At Neathawk Seamless Gutters, we typically recommend aluminum and stainless-steel mesh-style leaf guards over hooded systems, as they offer excellent debris protection without restricting water flow and are easier to maintain in the long run,” they said.

In terms of gutter systems, the Neathawks recommend either K-style or half-round gutters. K-style gutters are more common due to their larger capacity and clean appearance. Half-round gutters are typically used on higher end or historic homes for their aesthetic appeal. The choice depends on both function and home style.

Material selections are another factor in your purchasing decision. The most common gutter materials are aluminum, copper, steel and vinyl (plastic). Most installers recommend aluminum for most homeowners — it’s durable, rust-resistant, lightweight, and available in a wide range of colors, they said.

Other options include:

• Vinyl (plastic) gutters: Often seen as a budget-friendly option, but they come with notable drawbacks. While they’re lightweight and easy to install, vinyl tends to become brittle over time — especially in the Northeast where freezing temperatures and UV exposure are common. This can lead to cracking, warping, and eventual failure.

They also don’t expand and contract well with temperature changes, which can loosen joints and cause leaks. In our experience, vinyl gutters have a much shorter lifespan and may cost homeowners more in the long run due to frequent repairs or premature replacement, noted the Neathawks.

• Copper gutters: While significantly more expensive, these offer unmatched longevity and aesthetic appeal, especially for high-end or historic homes.

• Steel gutters: They are strong but prone to rust without proper coating, so they’re less common for residential use today.

Most gutter installers recommend aluminum — along with copper — which offers the best balance of durability, performance, and value for most homes. The Neathawks found when installing vinyl (plastic), it needs constant replacement and steel gutters fail over time.

Is this a good time to install gutters? Most gutter installers believe late summer, and early fall are ideal before the fall, when leaves are falling or the snow comes.

RX TIPS FOR SAVINGS: Compare at least two gutter installation services before signing a contract. Note: The Neathawks will be offering a 10 percent discount on leaf guards when a gutter installation is scheduled between Sept. 20 and Oct. 31 if you mention The Berkshire Eagle.