Unfortunately, roofing and gutters — like many other things in life — don’t last forever. These projects aren’t the cheapest, and that’s why homeowners need to do their research ahead of time. So when it’s time to hire a home maintenance contractor, what should you be looking for?

Roofing

Roofing material comes in a variety of forms. You can have asphalt, wood, clay, metal, fiber, or some other material to cover your roof. The material that you decide to use will determine how long of a lifespan your roof will have, but its appearance might play a bigger factor in the material that you ultimately choose to go with.

If you’re looking for a rooftop that will require very little maintenance while still looking beautiful, then you should consider metal roofing. Metal roofing can last longer than 50 years, which is a much longer lifespan when juxtaposing it against the competing types of rooftop materials. An added benefit of choosing metal roofing is it adds value to a home, and if you’re looking to purchase a home that has metal roofing, some insurance companies will even offer you a reduction in premiums.

Ultimately, the majority of homeowners have asphalt roofing, the cheaper alternative. An estimated four out of five roofs are covered with asphalt. One of the main reasons home buyers choose to go this route is that asphalt roofing offers an extensive selection of textures, styles, and colors. But although it has these advantages, asphalt roofing doesn’t last nearly as long as metal roofing, only lasting usually 15 to 30 years.

Gutters

On average, gutter repairs are needed every 20 to 40 years. The lifespan of gutters is heavily dependent on the weather conditions, and if the gutters are being cleaned appropriately. One factor that can determine how often to clean your gutters is the type of trees that surround your home. It’s recommended that homeowners with trees that shed a lot, such as pine trees, should clean their gutters at least four times a year. For other homes with trees that shed occasionally or homes that have no surrounding trees, gutters should be cleaned at least two times a year.

Choosing a Home Maintenance Contractor

Beyond choosing the right roofing and gutters for your home, you want to make sure that you’re choosing the right person to make the installations or repairs. Ideally, you want a company or handyman that has a good reputation and can provide you with quality customer service to handle any questions that might arise. It’s important to also look into other benefits. One benefit that some companies offer is a lifetime warranty. Selecting the proper home maintenance contractor can go a long way in ensuring that you’re satisfied with your roofing and gutters.