Do Roofers Do Gutters? Truth Revealed

Last Updated on July 12, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

Roofers typically focus on installing, repairing, and maintaining roofs, but their scope of work may also extend to gutters. While not all roofers offer gutter services, many roofing contractors do handle gutter-related tasks. These can include gutter installation, repair, replacement, or cleaning. Roofers have the expertise to assess gutter systems and ensure proper drainage, preventing water damage to the roof and the building’s foundation.

Can contracted roofers install gutters?

Yes, contracted roofers can install gutters. While the primary focus of roofers is on roof installation and repairs, many roofing contractors offer additional services related to gutters. This can include gutter installation, repair, replacement, or maintenance. When hiring a roofing contractor, it’s a good idea to inquire about their capabilities and whether they provide gutter services.

Some roofers may have specialized teams or subcontractors who handle gutter installations, while others may have the necessary expertise within their own workforce. It’s important to discuss your specific needs with the contractor and ensure that they are equipped to handle gutter-related tasks.

How much do Roofers charge for gutter services?

When it comes to gutter services, the cost can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your home, the type of gutter system you have, and the extent of the work required. To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some key points to consider:

Factors Affecting the Cost of Gutter Services:

• Home Size: The larger your home, the more gutters you will have, and thus the more work and materials required. This often translates to a higher cost for gutter services.
• Gutter Material: The type of gutters you have will also impact the cost. Common options include aluminum, vinyl, copper, and steel. Each material comes with its own price point, with copper being the most expensive.
• Gutter Replacement or Repair: If your gutters are beyond repair and need to be replaced entirely, you can expect higher costs compared to just repairing specific sections. Replacement involves more labor and materials.
• Gutter Guards: If you’re interested in installing gutter guards to prevent debris buildup, this will add to the overall cost. Gutter guards help keep your gutter system clear and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.

Average Pricing Examples:

To give you a general understanding of the average cost for gutter services, here are some ballpark figures:

• Gutter Cleaning: Typically ranges from $75 to $225 depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the job.
• Gutter Repair: Costs can vary but are often around $200 to $500, depending on the extent of the damage and the materials needed for the repair.
• Gutter Replacement: The cost of gutter replacement can range from $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on factors such as materials, home size, and the number of stories.
• Gutter Guard Installation: Installing gutter guards can range from $5 to $10 per linear foot. The total cost will depend on the length of your gutters.

Why should you hire roofers to install gutters?

To work with a single contractor 

Instead of working with multiple parties, you can hire a roofer to have a single contractor or company fix your roof and gutters. As usual, you will always need to handle gutters whether you are installing or replacing roofs. Therefore, it would be best to request a roofer to do the gutters. 

Lowers the total cost of roofing and doing gutters 

Secondly, it would lower the cost because you will only pay once. Hiring roofers and people responsible for the installation of gutters separately is costly. In most cases, prices are low when working with a single company compared to working with multiple companies or different contractors. You are also at liberty to negotiate the payments when you hire a roofer who installs gutters.

What else can a roofer do besides installing gutters?

Inspect gutter 

Roofers do more than roofing and getting your gutters done. They will inspect gutters for leakages, and poor slanting and check downspouts. Cracks on drainage pipes are not noticeable when observed without using the necessary equipment. A roofer will help you since they have the proper tools.

Check attic ventilation 

A roofer will check your roof’s attic ventilation to ensure you are inhaling clean air. A hot and cold air mixture will decrease the roof’s lifespan when ignored. However, a roofer will help you ascertain that it is adequately ventilated and advise whether the repair is needed.  

Repair roof or gutter leaks 

Besides adequate ventilation, a roofer will repair roof and gutter leaks by applying suitable sealants like flex seals. They seal even minor holes and cracks and make any replacements when necessary.

Check the roof’s decking 

A roofer can also check your roof’s decking to ensure its integrity is not compromised. They will confirm if the nails are still intact, connect the gutters’ drainage by including gutter guards, and do the necessary repairs to make it solid if spongy.

Examine the shingles 

Most importantly, a roofer will not evade the shingles. Apart from the gutters, a contractor will examine the shingles to confirm no cracks and that the shingles are not missing. Any improper bend nails will also be rectified at this stage. Roofers will check the nails that attach shingles to the roof, including the old ones.

Clean gutters 

Blocked gutters are susceptible to poor drainage if left unattended. Therefore, a roofer will remove layers of debris to clean gutters before replacing them. They will also remove all the leaves from the gutters to avoid improper drainage. 

Even if there is no need for replacement, you can hire a roofer to clean the gutters as part of your annual maintenance routine. 

Should roofers remove gutters during roof replacement?

Many people prefer to reinstall gutters during roofing. But that is not mandatory, as gutters can be left intact when replacing the roof. However, some house constructions have gutters that are attached to roofs. Nevertheless, it is not a must for roofers to remove gutters when replacing the roofs. 

Instead, a roofer can still use alternative measures to protect gutters during the roof replacement process. For instance, roofers would avoid damaging gutters by ensuring they don’t have any ladders leaning on them. A roofer may also cover the gutters while working on the roof to avoid interfering with them. 

Should roofers install a roof before new gutters?

As a homeowner, you might want to instruct roofers to start with gutters before installing the roof. And, although there’s no specific way of doing it, installing a roof should come first, followed by the gutters. The reasons are pretty obvious, like fitting gutters on the top. 

Even if the gutters are not directly connected to the roof, installing the roofing first makes any repairs and painting less hectic. Also, if gutters become ineffective, it will be easier to replace them without damaging the roof. 

Are gutters affected when roofers replace the roof?

Replacing roofs has many impacts on gutters. When contacting a local roofer to do the replacement, you must know its implications as it may come with unnecessary expenses. However, the effect on gutters will depend on the installation. If channels contact the fascia board, they will not be affected while roofers work. 

However, gutters may get distorted when roofers replace shingles. Such damages always have adverse implications in the future. Always consult the roofers before working on your roof to ensure no minor damage to gutters. And if any, you can prepare to replace the damages.  Note that it can be more costly to replace gutters than install new ones. Therefore it is not good to assume the damages caused during roofing. 

When should roofers remove and reinstall gutters?

Depending on your roof’s damage and duration on your house, a roofer may also require you to purchase new gutters instead of repairing them. The roofer may need to remove and reinstall the channels during roof replacement as they may get distorted due to interference. 

Getting the gutters removed during roof replacement comes with many benefits, like giving you a chance to look at the components of the gutter system. This will be vital to help you clean and flush out any dirt, especially when your gutters are covered. It also allows you to eliminate the dents and scratches resulting from moving roofing materials when carried by roofers. 

Can roofers replace gutters leaving the roof untouched?

Nowadays, roofers can replace gutters without interfering with the roof. 

Roofers who implement modern construction techniques always fix roofs and gutters separately. This ensures that the roof replacement and gutters are done independently without causing any damage. For traditional buildings, replacing either gutters or roofs will negatively affect each other, demanding the roofer to make multiple repairs or replacements. 

However, roofs may require further attention when replacing gutters in a few circumstances. For example, suppose your roof has stayed for a long and attained the expected lifespan according to the manufacturer. In that case, it is reasonable to have a roofer replace both the gutters and the roof. Even though the roof will be affected when changing your home, it will be cheaper than replacing each component separately.

 Why do roofers recommend metal gutters?

Metal gutters and plastic gutters are the most common roofing materials. However, many roofers advise their customers to buy metal roofing materials for various reasons explained below.

Metal gutters are not affected much by environmental changes 

Metal gutters expand and contract appropriately according to environmental changes. Plastic gutters tend to undergo permanent deformation when exposed to extremely high temperatures and freezing environments. Consequently, plastic materials are not suitable for use as roofing materials. 

Metal gutters are less vulnerable to UV light rays 

When exposed to intense ultraviolet rays, most plastic gutters weaken with time and become brittle. Such conditions also significantly reduce their lifespan because of climatic changes. On the other hand, metal gutters will sustain such extreme conditions, making them the preferred choice for regions with longer summer seasons and shorter winter periods. 

Coated metal gutters are less vulnerable to corrosion and rust 

Manufacturers use current technological advancements to better metal gutters and roofing structures. Metals are coated to prevent rusting and corrosion effects, while others use alloys to make metal gutters stronger and less vulnerable to rust. Plastics will have similar properties of resisting rust but are not stronger than metal gutters. This seamless technology has created an opportunity for using metal roofs and gutters during construction.

Do roofers discourage the use of PVC in roofing and guttering?

The presence of plastic gutters and roofing sheets in the market indicates how important they are. Roofers do not discourage plastic gutters and roofs but always advise using metal materials. Despite many shortcomings of plastics, they are readily available, cheap, easy to modify, and flexible. 

Some roofers will also agree to use PVC roofing materials based on your preferences. But most of them strongly emphasize using metal roofing materials and gutters, especially for regions experiencing long summer seasons.  

Final Thought

Hiring roofers is the best decision when installing and replacing roofs and gutters. They have the expertise to do both at a low cost compared to hiring local contractors for gutters. Besides, roofers can help clean and maintain gutters and repair leaks. 

References:

https://www.inman.com/2012/06/01/4-rules-gutter-replacement/

https://www.harryhelmet.com/getting-a-new-roof-should-you-also-consider-gutter-replacement/