Does a home warranty cover gutters?
Check gutter coverage to avoid costly surprises later
Gutters are more important than you might think. They divert rainwater away from your home. Malfunctioning gutters can damage the roof and foundation and encourage mold growth. If your gutters aren’t doing the job, your home warranty may be able to help. Here’s what you need to know.
Some home warranty companies cover gutters.
Jump to insightHome warranties typically have contract limitations and exclusions that can get your claim denied.
Jump to insightIf your plan doesn’t have gutter coverage, you may need to upgrade your package.
Jump to insightWhat gutter services does a home warranty cover?
While most home warranty companies don’t offer gutter repair and replacement services, some do. These plans will cover the parts and labor needed to get your gutters into working condition.
Home warranty companies also sometimes cover gutter cleaning. Adding gutter cleaning to your policy makes sense if you’re unable to climb up a ladder to do it yourself, or if you just don’t have the time.
Potential exclusions to gutter home warranty coverage
Even if your home warranty company covers gutters, your claim may still be denied. Some common reasons for denial are that the damage existed before you got your gutter coverage or that it was caused by something other than normal wear and tear. Improperly installed gutters can also result in a denied claim.
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover gutters
If your current home warranty package doesn’t cover gutters, that’s normal. Most companies that offer gutter coverage offer it as an add-on. You just need to contact your company and add it to your package. This addition can raise the cost of your home warranty, but it may be worth it.
Your home warranty may not cover gutters. In that case, once your contract term is up, you may want to switch to a company that does, like Liberty Home Guard.
FAQ
What does a home typically warranty cover?
Home warranties usually cover large appliances, built-in microwaves, water heaters and systems like HVACs, plumbing, ductwork, pool heaters and well pumps. Some plans also cover additional items like pest control, septic systems, central vacuums, sump pumps and more.
Do home warranties cover water damage?
Most home warranties don’t cover water damage, but they often cover plumbing that could be the cause of the damage.
Does a home warranty cover roof repair and replacement?
Sometimes home warranties will cover roof repair as an add-on to coverage packages.
Bottom line
Home warranties typically don’t cover gutters, as they are considered external structures rather than internal systems or appliances within the home. However, that’s not always the case. It's always a good idea to review your specific home warranty contract to understand exactly what is covered and what is not.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Liberty Home Guard, “Gutter Cleaning Warranty.” Accessed April 9, 2024.
