By C. David Chase
Exactly 31 years ago, I opened the doors to my first specialized guttering company. But my time on the ladder goes back even further—all the way to April of 1985.
Over the last 33 years, I’ve seen the industry change from “built-to-last” craftsmanship to “built-to-sell” marketing. I’ve watched $15-a-foot “Cadillac” systems fail foundations, and I’ve seen homeowners spend $6,000 on hooded gutter guards that I wouldn’t put on my own shed.
Before we open up the contractor’s toolbox, a quick note: I field-test any products I mention. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
The Contractor’s Paradox
Three years ago, when I reroofed my own home here in Tennessee, I did something that usually shocks my clients: I removed my micro-mesh guards and never put them back up.
I didn’t do it because I hate technology. I did it because I’m a fan of “Builder’s Logic.” I realized that for my specific roof, the “Simple Math” solution was better: staying safely on the ground and using a manual cleanout schedule (or a trusted, insured handyman) was cheaper, safer, and kept my fascia from rotting behind a “lifetime warranty” plastic hood.
Why I wrote “Confessions of a Gutter Guard Contractor”
I’m retired now, but the “Builder’s Logic” never leaves you. I decided to take the 44 pages of notes, field tests, and “vibe checks” I’ve collected over three decades and put them into a single micro-book.
Inside this guide, I’m sharing:
- The “No Down Payment” Rule: Why you should never hand over a check before the ladder hits the house.
- The Handyman Math: Why a $150 cleaning is often a better investment than an $6,000 install.
- The Foundation Shield: How to treat your gutters like the “Shield” of your home’s bones.
- The Stainless Steel Secret: Why the smallest parts often cause the biggest leaks.
Stay Tuned
I’ve just submitted the final “as-built” manuscript to Amazon. It’s currently in their final inspection phase and should be live within the next 72 hours.
If you’re tired of the high-pressure sales pitches and just want the truth from a guy who’s spent 33 years on the roof, check back here shortly for the link.
In the meantime, head over to my Toolbox Page for a list of the exact materials and tools I use to keep my own home “As-Built” dry.