Does a home warranty cover gutter installation?
Short answer. No. A home warranty does not pay to install gutters, because it only repairs listed systems and appliances that break down. On a newly built home, the builder's warranty may cover defective gutter installation for a limited time, and homeowners insurance pays for replacement only after covered storm damage.
Home warranty versus builder warranty
People often mix these up:
- Home warranty: a yearly service contract, often bought at closing, for failures of appliances and systems. Gutters are typically excluded and new installation is never included.
- Builder warranty: on new construction, many builders warrant workmanship and materials for a limited period, often one year, with longer terms for major systems and structure. Gutters that leak at seams, pitch the wrong way or pull loose early may be covered.
If your home is new, read the builder warranty and report gutter problems in writing before it expires.
Who pays when a house needs gutters
- No gutters or undersized gutters: the homeowner. This is an improvement.
- Gutters damaged by hail, wind or a falling limb: homeowners insurance, usually on the same claim as the roof.
- Gutters disturbed during a roof replacement: detaching and resetting them should be on the roofing scope or the insurance estimate.
Getting installation right
Size gutters to the roof area and pitch; large or steep roofs often need 6 inch gutters and larger downspouts. Hang them with hidden hangers into the fascia, pitch them toward the downspouts, and send downspouts well away from the foundation. Coordinate with the drip edge so water lands in the gutter, not behind it.
For storm damaged gutters, see the after a hail storm checklist.