What Is My Potential Liability When I have Someone Clean My Gutters?

Potential liability. That is an important consideration given that there are actually some liabilities when you have people working on, in and around your home or business.

Are they insured?

This is one of the first things you want to ask your service provider. This is the biggest liability as there are considerations when doing any work on a ladder or from the roof. You want to be sure that your service provider has the right amount and the right kind of insurance. If you are a condo owner’s association or a homeowner’s association or a commercial property, your requirements for your service providers may vary and the coverage amount may vary. Additionally, most states require workman’s compensation. Workman’s compensation protects both the service company and you, the hiring party if a worker is hurt on a job site, whether that job site is a residence or a commercial structure.

Do they have the right equipment?

That’s the second thing that you should ask about. Your service provider should come equipped with everything they need to clean your gutters and do it safely whether it’s from the roof or from the ladder. Asking to borrow your equipment, such as a ladder or any other tool is not only really unprofessional, it can expose you to unnecessary risk if an accident occurs.

Does that gutter cleaning service have experience?

The last thing that you want is someone hanging from your gutter line because they didn’t know what they were doing while working from the roof. Gutter cleaning can sound simple enough but the techniques and strategies that are used to leave your gutter clean and keep that water moving away from your roof and housing structure takes time to acquire.

Ask any service provider, “How long have they been in business?” “How many gutter jobs have they completed?” If you have a unique roof such as slate, barrel tile, or cedar shake, you might also inquire, “How much work have you done on those surfaces?” so that you’re confident that they can safely navigate your roof and clean your gutters.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for references, especially if you’re a business with a reputation to protect. So again, the 3 things to consider in terms of liability, if you have someone to clean your gutters is: Do they have the right insurance? Do they have the right equipment? And do they have experience?