GUTTER DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION SERVICE

A gutter diagnostic inspection is a thorough, hands-on inspection designed to identify the cause of gutter problems, drainage issues, leaks, overflows, and concerns involving the roofing eave or fascia.

Unlike a basic visual inspection from the ground, our gutter inspection service allows an experienced My Gutter Doctor technician to take a closer look at accessible problem areas and gutter systems. Depending on the situation, a diagnostic inspection may involve setting up ladders, examining components up close, checking gutter pitch and drainage, inspecting roofing eave and fascia areas, and sometimes testing the gutter system with water to see the problem in action.

The goal of a gutter diagnostic inspection is not simply to identify that a problem exists. It is to help determine what is causing the problem and what solution is appropriate.

If the inspection determines that debris or clogged gutters are causing the problem, the service can be upgraded to a Partial or Full Home Gutter Cleaning Service so the issues can be addressed while we are on site.

Free Gutter Estimate vs. Diagnostic Gutter Inspection

There is an important difference between a Free Estimate and a Diagnostic Inspection.

Our Free Estimate typically includes a walk-around visual inspection from the ground. When the problem can be clearly seen and evaluated without our technician setting up and using ladders for investigative purposes, the Diagnostic Inspection fee is typically waived and we can provide a Free Estimate for the recommended work.

As a general rule of thumb, if our technician needs to set up and use ladders to access, examine, or diagnose the problem, a Diagnostic Inspection fee applies.

For many straightforward gutter projects and visible problems, a ground-level inspection provides enough information for us to identify the work needed and prepare an estimate.

When the cause of a problem cannot be properly determined from the ground, a more thorough gutter diagnostic inspection may be necessary. This allows our technician to access the area, examine gutter systems and applicable roofing eave or fascia components up close, and perform additional troubleshooting or water testing when needed.

What Does Our Gutter Diagnostic Inspection Include?

Every home and gutter system is different. Depending on the problems being investigated, our diagnostic inspection may include:

• Close-up inspection of accessible gutters and problem areas 
• Inspection of applicable roofing eave and fascia concerns
• Evaluation of gutter pitch, positioning, drainage, and installation
• Investigation of leaks, overflows, and recurring water problems
• Examination of areas that cannot be adequately evaluated from the ground
• Water testing when necessary to observe leaks, overflows, or drainage problems in action
• Identification of likely causes and recommended solutions
• Quotes for applicable gutter repairs or gutter replacement when appropriate

The exact inspection process depends on the home, accessibility, and the symptoms you are experiencing. Therefore pricing varies on a case by case basis. 

What If the Gutters Are Just Clogged?

Sometimes a gutter diagnostic inspection reveals that the problem is being caused by leaves, debris, or clogged gutters rather than a visible repair issue.

If we determine during the inspection that gutter cleaning is the appropriate solution, we can upgrade the Diagnostic Inspection to a Partial Gutter Cleaning or Full Home Gutter Cleaning Service and take care of the debris and clogs while we are already on site.

This allows us to address the cause of the problem instead of simply identifying it, while also making sure the gutter system is properly evaluated for any visible repair concerns.

Gutter Inspection & Diagnostic Pricing

The cost of a gutter diagnostic inspection depends on the home and the scope of the inspection.

Pricing is based on factors including:

• Size of the home
• Partial or Full Home Diagnostic Inspection
• Number and location of problem areas
• Accessibility of the gutter systems or roofing eave areas being inspected
• Whether gutter guards need to be removed and reinstalled
• Scope of the diagnostic work required

Because these factors vary from one property to another, Diagnostic Inspection Service does not have one standard price.

Our office can help determine the appropriate type of diagnostic inspection and applicable fee when scheduling your appointment.

Partial Gutter Diagnostic Inspection

Not every gutter problem requires an inspection of the entire home.

A Partial Diagnostic Inspection focuses on the specific gutter, drainage, roofing eave, or fascia areas where problems have been reported.

This type of gutter inspection may be appropriate when you are experiencing an isolated issue such as:

• Water overflowing in a particular location
• A gutter leaking or dripping unexpectedly
• Water getting behind the gutter
• Drainage problems in one section of the home
• Recurring problems around a corner, downspout, or roofline
• Visible concerns involving the roofing eave or fascia
• A problem that previous repairs have failed to correct

Our crew will focus the diagnostic inspection on the problem area to help identify the likely cause and recommend an appropriate solution.

Full Home Gutter Diagnostic Inspection

A Full Home Diagnostic Inspection provides a more comprehensive inspection of the accessible gutter systems around the home, along with applicable roofing eave and fascia areas.

Rather than investigating only one reported problem area, we evaluate accessible gutter systems throughout the home for visible conditions, installation issues, drainage concerns, and other potential problems.

A Full Home Diagnostic Inspection may be a good choice when:

• Gutter problems are occurring in multiple locations
• You have several drainage, roofing eave, or fascia concerns
• Previous gutter repairs have not resolved the problems
• You are unsure where the problems originate
• New home purchase and/or preparing home for sale
• You want a more comprehensive evaluation of the home’s gutter systems

Gutter Inspection Height & Access Limitations

For safety and proper staffing, Diagnostic Inspections are not available on three story or taller buildings, or areas that require a two man crew to access. 

For gutter areas requiring this level of access, a Gutter Cleaning Service is the available service option for us to inspect the gutter systems.  

If you are unsure whether your home or problem area qualifies for Diagnostic Inspection Service, our team can help determine the appropriate service when scheduling.

When Should You Schedule a Gutter Diagnostic Inspection?

Gutter problems aren’t always as simple as they appear from the ground.

A professional gutter inspection can be especially helpful when:

• New gutters are not performing as expected
• Recently repaired gutters continue to have problems
• Previous attempts to fix a gutter issue have been unsuccessful
• Gutters overflow in specific locations
• Water is getting behind the gutters
• Water is affecting the fascia or roofing eave
• Leaks or overflows occur only during certain types of rainfall
• The source of a recurring water problem is unclear
• Multiple areas of the gutter system are experiencing problems

In some cases, the best way to understand a gutter problem is to see it happen. When appropriate, we can use water during the diagnostic process to help identify leaks, drainage problems, overflow points, or other issues that may not be obvious during a dry inspection.

Diagnostic Inspection Fees & Gutter Replacement

If the Diagnostic Inspection determines that the gutter system should be replaced, your Diagnostic Inspection fee can be credited toward qualifying gutter replacement work.

When the qualifying gutter replacement quote is approved, the applicable Diagnostic Inspection fee is waived by crediting it toward the replacement project. If the diagnostic fee was already paid, the final invoice for the replacement will have the fee applied as a discount. 

Keep in mind, if the gutter replacement quote is not approved, the Diagnostic Inspection fee still applies.

*Diagnostic Inspection fees are not credited toward gutter repair work. Only towards gutter replacement.*

Gutter Inspections & Routine Gutter Maintenance

A gutter diagnostic inspection does not replace routine gutter cleaning and maintenance.

Regular gutter maintenance remains an important part of keeping gutters and downspouts functioning properly. It also gives our technicians an opportunity to observe the condition of the gutter system while performing the service.

Our Gutter Cleaning Service includes a general inspection of the gutter system as part of the cleaning service.

A dedicated Diagnostic Inspection is intended for situations requiring more focused troubleshooting, closer examination, or investigation of specific gutter, drainage, roofing eave, or fascia problems.

Schedule a Gutter Diagnostic Inspection

If you have a gutter problem that needs more than a quick look from the ground, a professional gutter diagnostic inspection can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate next step.

My Gutter Doctor provides Partial and Full Home Diagnostic Inspections for accessible gutter systems, drainage problems, and applicable roofing eave and fascia concerns.

Gutter Woes? Call the Pros!

Contact My Gutter Doctor to discuss your gutter concerns and determine whether a Free Estimate, Partial Diagnostic Inspection, Full Home Diagnostic Inspection, or another gutter service is the right fit for your home.