Does a home warranty cover gutters?

Home warranty gutter coverage

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.

Here are some typical problems that may be covered if you have gutter coverage:

• Leaks
• Sagging or detachment
• Clogging

Most gutter claims are denied unless your home warranty specifically lists gutters as covered. Always check your contract for details.

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.

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.

Gutter warranty coverage exclusions

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.

Common exclusion scenarios for gutters include:

• Acts of nature: Damage from storms, hail or falling debris is almost always excluded.
• Lack of maintenance: Problems caused by clogged or neglected gutters are not covered.
• Improper installation: Issues from faulty or non-compliant installation are typically excluded.

Always review your home warranty contract to see exactly how exclusions are worded for gutters and exterior drainage systems.

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.

Out-of-pocket costs for gutter repairs or replacement can vary a lot. Minor repairs, like fixing leaks or reattaching a section, may cost $100 to $300. Full gutter replacement, especially for large homes or special materials, can reach $1,000 or more.

When deciding on gutter add-on coverage, compare the yearly cost of the warranty with possible repair or replacement costs. If your gutters are older, hard to reach or need frequent work, the add-on may save you money. But if your gutters are new or low maintenance, paying for repairs as needed could be cheaper.

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.