Gutter Solutions
Redefine the Contractor Industry
Who is Thrasher?
Thrasher was founded in 1975 by Greg and Nancy Thrasher in a rural farmhouse outside of Earling, Iowa. Today, Thrasher is a family of companies, including Thrasher Foundation Repair and Midwest Foundation Repair, that’s now the Midwest’s #1 choice for basement waterproofing, foundation repair, concrete repair, and gutter solutions.
For nearly 50 years, Thrasher has kept customers at the heart of our company. Why? Because as fellow homeowners with our own families, we know firsthand the stress caused by water in the basement. Our entire process was built to set your mind at ease and restore the feeling of home to you again. Every Thrasher expert puts their head and heart into resolving each customer’s problem as effectively, efficiently, and accurately as possible – guaranteed. Bottom line? Thrasher cares. Which is why we’re the Midwest’s #1 choice for home repair.
But that’s only part of the story
We’ve all had bad experiences working with contractors: Ones that don’t show up, don’t leave an estimate, don’t return calls, don’t clean up after themselves… The list could go on and on. At Thrasher, we believe the homeowner experience can and should be more. Unlike other contractors, we make a stressful home repair super easy: We call you before we arrive, show up on time, clean up thoroughly, and walk through the job with you at the end to make sure you’re 100% satisfied. An experience that not only exceeds expectations but creates new ones for how you should be treated as a homeowner in the future.
We believe more is possible. So, everyone in our organization –from the person who answers the phone, to the System Design Specialist who develops a custom solution for your needs, to the production crew that installs the equipment – understands that their ultimate job is to make your home whole again. We know that this is about more than just repairing a foundation, leveling concrete, or waterproofing a basement – it’s about returning the feeling of home to you. And allowing you to enjoy your home in the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
To learn more about us, our products, and our purpose, visit GoThrasher.com
Why gutters are so important and how to make them efficient
Your home. It’s one of your biggest investments and the place where your life unfolds. It’s where you grow your family, welcome friends, and create memories. Just like anything else, you want it to function smoothly. If something stopped working—like your air conditioning, dishwasher, or gutters—you’d notice right away. In fact, gutters play a critical role in your home’s drainage system, but they’re often overlooked. Over time, they can leak, sag, or clog, causing unwanted distractions and stress.
This guide is here to eliminate those distractions, provide answers, and help you find the right solution, so you can focus on what really matters—and stop worrying about your gutters.
Why should you fix your gutters?
You might be wondering why it’s so important to invest in gutter repair or replacement. The truth is, your gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home. They channel rainwater away from your foundation, preventing erosion, basement flooding, and structural damage. Clogged or damaged gutters can also lead to:
• Foundation cracks
• Mold and mildew growth
• Landscaping damage
• Wood rot
• Ice dams in the winter
By investing in quality gutters, you’re protecting your home’s value and preventing expensive repairs down the line.
Ignoring gutter problems can lead to:
Foundation damage
Water pooling around your foundation can cause cracks, weaken the structure, and lead to expensive repairs.
Roof damage
Overflowing gutters can damage your roof shingles, fascia, and soffit, causing leaksand rot.
Basement
flooding
Poor water management increases the risk of basement flooding, which can result in mold growth and property damage.
Landscape erosion
Uncontrolled water flow can erode your landscaping, leading to unsightly and hazardous yard conditions.
Pest infestations
Standing water in gutters is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
We were simply blown away by the thoroughness in their approach to address our situation. Our existing gutters were overflowing and clogged. We thought we would get an inspection and an estimate, fully intending to get other estimates and possibly some DIY options. Well their approach was to not just look at our gutters, but find how water/rain was affecting the entire house, the foundation, the basement, the walls! It was extremely informative and credible. Thrasher has the integrity every USA company should. The work we’re having done has been mindful and professional. We’ve never been so comfortable contracting a company.
- MICKEY M.
Identifying your gutter problems
Recognizing the signs of gutter problems is the first step to finding a solution. Your home can experience four main gutter issues, and there are tell-tale signs for each. Do you see any of these happening in your own home?
Clogged gutters
Look for water overflowing during rain or sagging gutters filled with debris.
Sagging gutters
Check to see if your gutters are pulling away from the house or appear uneven.
Leaking gutters
Look for water stains on the siding or puddles around the foundation to see if your gutters are leaking.
Improper gutter slope
Check if water is pooling in certain sections of the gutter, which could indicate poor installation.
Based on the issues described above, which one do you think is affecting your gutters?
Solutions for clogged gutters
When you’re in the market for new gutters, you have two main options: DIY products from a big box store or professional installation from a contractor.
We could go on and on about why DIY products aren’t worth your time or money, but it boils down to this: they don’t last, can damage your roof, and might even create more water issues than the ones you’re trying to fix. When it comes to professional installation, there are countless terms thrown around—filters, covers, screens, guards, seamless gutters, one-piece gutters, sectional gutters, mesh toppers, open-face gutters. It can be overwhelming and confusing.
Here’s the bottom line: there are two top options to consider, and the right choice depends on the condition of your current gutters.
If your gutters are in decent shape (which only a professional can determine after a thorough inspection), gutter guards are your best option. If your existing gutters are clogging, sagging, leaking, or simply old, a complete gutter protection system is the way to go. Gutter protection systems include a seamless gutter and a hood attachment that blocks leaves and debris.
It’s an innovative design that allows you to never worry about your gutters again.
Avoid this gutter option
Before discussing the best solutions, it’s important to understand what to avoid when investing in your gutters.
Gutter protection that attaches to the roof.
Most gutter guards and protection systems are installed by attaching them directly to the roof. This usually involves securing the guards under the first row of shingles and fastening them to the roof. However, this method can cause significant damage. It can ruin the roof’s edge, create holes that lead to ice dams and wood rot, and, worst of all, void your roof’s warranty.
If a contractor installs gutter guards by drilling into your roof, and, later on, your roof starts leaking, your roofing contractor will blame the gutter installer. This can leave you stuck in a blame game between contractors —leaving you with a damaged roof and a lot of frustration.
Attaching gutters to the fascia board, rather than the roof, is generally the better approach for several reasons. First, it preserves the integrity of the roof. By attaching gutters to the fascia board, you reduce the risk of roof leaks and keep the roof intact. Also, gutters mounted to the fascia are easier to inspect, maintain, and repair. From an aesthetic perspective attaching gutters to the fascia board is a cleaner look and more aligned with the roofline.
When looking for a gutter installer, be sure to ask how they attach their product to your home. It can save you time, money, and help you avoid installers with poor-quality products.
The fascia board is a long, horizontal board that runs along the edge of the roof, just below the shingles, where the roof meets the outer walls of the house.
Why choose Gutter Shutter
The material
The material of your gutter system plays a significant role in its durability, cost, and appearance. Common materials include aluminum, vinyl, steel, and copper, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum is generally the best choice due to its resistance to warping and rusting. However, traditional aluminum gutters in open systems are vulnerable to damage from heavy debris, like falling branches or ice, which can weigh them down over time and cause them to pull away from the roofline.
This is where Gutter Shutter shines. Its vented hood design allows aluminum to be used without the risk of pulling away. Water flows freely over the top of the hood, catching the majority as it passes. It then follows the lip of the gutter falling into it, while other debris simply falls off the edge.
Size and strength
Most gutter systems are available in a 5-inch width, with many gutter guards fitting these standard sizes. Gutter Shutter stands out with its 6-inch, which carries 20% more water than standard 5-inch gutters. Gutter Shutter is also secured by zinc-coated screws and gutter stud brackets placed every 24 inches. This design allows it to withstand harsh weather conditions, including the heavy rain and snow common in the Midwest.
Low maintenance
In a perfect world, gutter guards wouldn’t require regular cleaning. But not all systems are created equal. Systems without a vented hood can quickly become clogged with water and debris, leading to ice dams and build-up. Despite their upfront cost, these systems require ongoing maintenance, diminishing the return on investment.
Gutter Shutter, on the other hand, requires minimal maintenance and comes with a lifetime guarantee. If any issues arise, you’re covered and the system will be fixed – providing you with peace of mind and long-term protection.
Gutter Shutter
Other gutter systems
Why choose Thrasher Gutter Guards
Self-cleaning design
The guards naturally shed debris, so water flows freely.
Maintenance-free
Requires little to no maintenance, saving you time.
Durable
Withstands extreme weather conditions and is compatible with all roof styles and gutter sizes.
Virtually invisible
Designed to blend seamlessly with your roofline maintaining your home’s curb appeal.
What to do now
You’ve already taken an important step by scheduling your free gutter inspection with Thrasher Foundation Repair. To help you prepare for your upcoming appointment, here’s what you can do.
STEP 1
Identify problem areas
Think about any gutter problems you’ve noticed — clogging, sagging, leaks, or whatever else has been bugging you. If you’re not sure, take a walk around your house and look for anything weird. Jot down what you see so you’ve got some solid points to go over with our team when they arrive.
STEP 2
Gather your questions
Think about any questions or concerns you might have about your gutters. Whether it’s about the materials, installation process, or warranty details, writing them down will help guide the conversation when we arrive so you can feel confident discussing the best options for your home.
STEP 3
Look forward to peace of mind
With our gutter systems, you can be sure your home will be protected from water damage for years to come.
