Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by
Installation of roofs and gutters is usually a challenge to many. However, roofers can install gutters and help you make any necessary changes to the roof’s gutter systems. In addition, roofing companies also do gutters. It all depends on your preference.
It is also essential to know whether to hire roofers or local contractors for gutter installation and maintenance. Sometimes the roofer charges more but can be better if you also need roof replacement and installation. They will also advise on the best materials for roofing and guttering.
Can contracted roofers install gutters?
There’s a remarkable correlation between installing roofs and gutters, but the two differ in many ways. Many roofing companies have subsections that handle the installation of gutters. Others work together with companies that specialize in the building of gutters.
On most occasions, roofing companies specialize in handling roofs, while local contractors install gutters. However, a roofer can also install gutters. Therefore, you can also ask a roofing company to do gutters on your house.
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 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 improperly 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 gutter 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/
