5 Compelling Reasons to Invest in a Portable Gutter Machine
If you run a gutter installation or roofing business, investing in a portable gutter machine can create new opportunities, add profitability to your business, and put you in charge of your operation.
Imagine every scrap of wasted material, every manufacturing or delivery delay, every middleman or supplier—gone. How would that streamline your operation? And how much could you save by eliminating those added costs?
These are just a few of the benefits of owning your own portable seamless gutter machine. At New Tech Machinery (NTM), we help gutter contractors by providing the best machines and user support on the market. Our Mach II portable seamless gutter machine introduced the polyurethane drive roller over 30 years ago. Since then, NTM continues to pioneer the future of portable rollforming.
Portable gutter machines, designed to produce seamless gutters on-site, are essential for contractors looking to boost productivity, improve customization, and deliver high-quality gutters.
In this article, we’ll cover five reasons why buying a portable gutter machine could be the best business decision you make this year.
1. On-Demand Gutter Customization
Abel Cisneros, owner of C&S Gutters in northern Colorado and a long-time NTM customer, focuses on high-end homes and condos, although he says, “Our primary customers are anyone who needs gutters.” His crew drives up with their Mach II in tow and runs the gutters on-site. Each gutter section is customized to the structure’s specifications.
Abel says that while they’re running gutters, neighbors come out to watch. “Sometimes we set a gutter that’s 80 or 100 feet. People are so impressed they take a video of it.”
There’s something about running a gutter on location, customized to the home, that people find fascinating. Maybe they only know about sectional gutters. Maybe they installed their own, and found they sag and leak at the seams.
When you own a portable gutter machine, you can fabricate seamless, customized gutters that are far superior to the gutters most people have hanging on their fascia boards. Plus, their smooth, sleek appearance just adds an aesthetic to the structure, whereas a sectional gutter system with its seams and sags takes away from the overall aesthetic.
The flexibility of customization allows you to offer gutter systems tailored to each client, which is especially appealing to homeowners and builders looking for high-quality gutters and a more sophisticated appearance for their homes.
Also, with a portable machine, you can fabricate gutters in varying lengths and styles right at the job site, which eliminates the need for multiple trips to suppliers and ensures the gutters fit perfectly.
2. Cost Savings and Profitability
Owning your own gutter machine means you can cut out the middleman, saving on material costs and labor hours. While the initial investment in a portable gutter machine might seem significant, the machine quickly pays for itself as you save on outsourced materials and it adds additional revenue from new projects. Plus, you can respond to demand faster than the competition who must deal with ordering and delivery.
Here’s another benefit to owning your own machine: If you have downtime, your machine can still make money moonlighting for other contractors. They can pick up the gutters, or you can run them on-site. It’s better for them as they can offer the benefits of seamless gutters, and you make money without having to install the systems.
Owning a portable gutter machine sets you apart from competitors who may need to rely on suppliers. This gives you a distinct advantage, especially in markets where customization and quick-turnaround times are in high demand for builders on a tight timeline.
3. On-Site Gutter Fabrication
With a portable gutter machine, you can significantly streamline your workflow. Gutters can be fabricated directly on the job site, reducing downtime and eliminating delivery delays. Plus, you don’t need to worry if there’s a mistake in the order because you’re running the gutters yourself.
With multiple reels and cradles, a gutter machine can have up to three coils. This allows you to easily move from one job to another while having the materials on hand, ensuring there’s no delay in fabricating gutters.
The machine’s portability also enables you to move it between job sites easily, cutting down on setup and transport times associated with traditional gutter installation methods. Also, because they’re custom sizes, you produce less waste which translates to more material savings.
4. Seamless Gutter Consistency and Quality Control
Portable gutter machines are designed to deliver consistent, high-quality gutters every time. With the right controller, like NTM’s EZ-Counter Computerized Length Controller, you can also set exact length measurements. You can also control the quality of the materials and the final product directly, providing customers with a premium service that stands out.
Most importantly, you have total control of your operation, from gutter fabrication to installation. If there’s a mistake, you have the means to correct it without having to go to a supplier. Less lost time, material waste, and labor costs.
5. Expanded Gutter Business Opportunities
Say you’re a roofing contractor. You own a portable roof panel machine, and you’re either doing chop-and-drops or running panels on-site and installing them. If you’re doing the roof, that means someone else is making money on gutters.
With a portable gutter machine, you can easily expand your operation to include gutters. Whether for installation or chop-and-drop, a gutter machine can increase your profit margin. Plus, you can offer to run gutter that exactly matches the roof color.
If, however, you’re a gutter installer and you want to start your own operation, owning your own gutter machine makes a great first step. While you’ll have an initial investment, in the long run, you’ll save money on material costs, delivery, middleman fees, etc. And you’ll be in charge of your operation. No waiting, no delays.
What’s the Catch?
Investing in a portable gutter machine offers clear benefits: Convenience, more streamlined efficiency, seamless quality, and the opportunity to grow your business. For contractors wanting to maximize their profits, a portable gutter machine can set you apart from your competitors.
That said, purchasing a gutter machine requires an initial investment that’s even more significant if you don’t have the necessary equipment. For example, you’ll need a truck or trailer to transport it, along with a forklift to load the coils. The machine will also need to be stored in a workshop or garage to protect it from the elements. Also, you’ll need a trained operator to run gutters. Another added expense is making sure you have reels or cradles, run-out stands, and any other accessories to go with your machine.
At New Tech Machinery, our 5”, 6”, and 5”/6” combo Mach II portable seamless gutter machines are available in a variety of configurations. You can choose the right configuration, get the total cost, and complete your purchase all online by visiting our gutter machine shopping site.
With the purchase of a new NTM portable rollformer, you also qualify for free training at our facility in Aurora, Colorado.
If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our knowledgeable account managers.