Do you need a roof replacement? What about new gutters? If you answered yes to these questions, you’re probably wondering if gutters are included in a roof replacement.
Homeowners always wrap gutter and roofing work together because of where they are. But the truth is, they are two separate trades and skill sets.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand what’s included in a roof replacement and how gutters factor into the equation. So, let’s dig into if gutters are part of getting a new roof and more.
This article answers the following questions:
- Are gutters included in a roof replacement?
- Do your gutters get removed during a roof replacement?
- Should you replace your gutters when getting a roof replacement?
- Can a roofing contractor replace your gutters without replacing your roof?
- How much does it cost to replace your gutters?
Are gutters included in a roof replacement?
Even though gutters are at the roof line, they’re not included in a standard roof replacement. This is simply because gutters aren’t part of a roof system, and replacing them is completely separate from roofing work.
However, you can add new gutters to your roof replacement and roofing contractors will gladly include them. In fact, plenty of homeowners choose to replace their gutters when replacing their roof.
Some homeowners just want new gutters, whether it’s a different style, metal, and/or color. Others just want to kill two birds with one stone and get everything done at once because work is getting done at the roof line anyway.
However, keeping everything under one umbrella instead of dealing with multiple companies is a huge reason homeowners choose to include gutters in a roof replacement. This avoids making multiple payments to different companies, and if there’s ever a problem, there’s only one company you have to deal with.
Do your gutters get removed during a roof replacement?
So, gutters aren’t included in a roof replacement unless you’re replacing them too. But if you don’t get or want new gutters, does your roofing contractor remove them anyway during the roof replacement process?
Unless you’re replacing the gutters, your roofing contractor shouldn’t remove them when replacing your roof. Even if they are being replaced, they usually aren’t removed until after your new roof is installed and the roofers are done.
Instead, they should protect them by taking certain precautions. This includes covering them and not leaning their ladders directly on the gutter face to avoid damaging them as they work.
Should you replace your gutters when getting a roof replacement?
As I said, many homeowners replace their gutters when replacing their roof. But does that mean you should?
While it’s completely up to you, a roofing contractor will make a recommendation after inspecting your roof for an estimate. There’s no reason to replace them if they’re in good shape and functionally sound.
On the other hand, you should replace your gutters during your roof replacement if they have cracks, open seams, or other functionality problems. But it really is your decision to make.
If you don’t want to add another expense on top of an already big roof investment, I completely understand. Just don’t wait too long to avoid creating big problems for your home and roof.
Can a roofing contractor replace your gutters without replacing your roof?
Gutters aren’t part of your roof system, so they can be replaced without replacing the roof. The question is, do you call a roofing contractor if no roof work is getting done?
Gutter companies specialize in gutter replacements, but most roofing contractors can also do them. However, every company is different, and how they go about it depends on their capabilities and the amount of gutter work they get.
If they have an in-house gutter division, roofing contractors will offer gutter installation services with or without a roof replacement. On the other hand, companies that subcontract their work may only install new gutters when replacing your roof.
It really varies, and you need to look into their specific services, but most roofing contractors can and will install gutters without replacing your roof.
How much does it cost to replace your gutters?
If you’re trying to decide whether to replace your gutters during your roof replacement, cost probably plays a huge factor. Unfortunately, I can’t give you exact pricing because every company is different.
It also depends on the gutter style, size, and type of metal you choose. However, I can at least give you a cost range for a gutter replacement project.
For materials and labor, aluminum gutters (the most common type) cost around $10.00 to $13.00 per linear foot. The price could be lower if you hire a company with an in-house gutter team and the right machinery.
If you want to upgrade to steel or copper, you’re looking at higher prices. Steel (depending on the type) will be a few dollars more per linear foot higher than aluminum.
However, copper gutters can cost as much as $20.00 to $40.00 per linear foot, with some areas being close to $50.00.
Ready to find a trustworthy roofing contractor for your roof or gutter replacement?
Now you know if gutters are included or removed when getting a new roof and if you should replace them when replacing your roof. You also learned a roofing contractor can replace them without replacing your roof and an idea of how much it would cost.
Remember, it’s completely your decision if and when you want to replace your gutters. But no matter if you’re just getting your roof replaced, new gutters, or both, you must hire a high-quality roofing contractor you trust.
Unfortunately, bad roofers make this harder than you think. And with the saturation in the industry right now, you can’t take chances on a bad hire.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the tips every homeowner needs when trying to find a roofer in their area.
Check out 7 Tips to Find a Great Roofing Contractor to find a reputable company you can trust with your roof and/or gutter replacement.
