Can a Roofing Contractor Install Gutters?

Do you need new gutters? Are you wondering if you need to call a roofing contractor to do it?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Everyone wraps roofing and gutters together because they’re both right next to each other. 

The truth is that roofing and gutters are two completely different trades and skill sets. But that doesn’t mean there’s no overlap or a roofer can’t do gutter work. 

For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners by providing unbiased and transparent advice. Because of this, I want to help you understand what a roofing contractor can actually do with your gutter needs. 

This article answers the following questions:

• Can roofing contractors install gutters?
• What else can a roofing contractor do with your gutters? 

Can roofing contractors install gutters?

Yes, roofing contractors can install gutters and provide other gutter services. However, it’s different for every company and depends on how much gutter work they get. 

If they have an in-house gutter division, a roofing contractor will offer gutter installation services with or without an accompanying roofing service. On the other hand, roofing contractors that subcontract their work may only install new gutters when replacing your roof.

Like I said, it really varies from company to company. However, most roofing contractors can and will install gutters. 

What else can a roofing contractor do with your gutters? 

Now you know that a roofing contractor can install gutters. But that’s not the only gutter service roofing companies offer. 

So, let’s look at what else a roofing contractor can do with your gutters.

Inspect your gutters for potential problems

A roofing contractor should always inspect your gutters and downspouts during a roof inspection. They’ll check for cracks, open seams, or blockages that restrict flow and cause debris to back up.

If there’s standing water, your gutter may also be tilted in the wrong direction. If your gutters have these problems, the roofing contractor will help you determine the next steps. 

Just make sure to take gutter problems seriously, because it can create all kinds of problems for your home and roof.

Clean your gutters as part of annual roof maintenance

Speaking of overflowing gutters, a roofing contractor can clean out your gutters to remove sitting debris. In fact, cleaning out gutters is a huge part of roof maintenance that should be done at least once a year.

Leaving sticks, leaves, and other debris to sit creates a dam that stops water from naturally flowing to the ground. If the gutter is full enough and there’s a heavy rain, water will back up until it finds its way under your shingles to create a leak.

This also leads to overflowing issues that create unwanted moisture in a crawl space or basement while eroding the ground around your foundation. If you let your gutters get full enough, the weight can actually pull them away from the fascia board.

Install gutter screens

While cleaning them stops overflowing, a roofing contractor can also install gutter screens to help prevent debris from getting into your gutters. This is especially a great idea if trees surround your home. 

It works by putting a wired mesh (expanded aluminum wire or powder- coated steel wire) screen over the top of your gutters. This allows water to flow down your roof into the gutters while the mesh screen catches debris. 

Unfortunately, it’s still possible for small debris (like maple tree helicopters) to slip between the wire and fall into your gutters. But for bigger debris like leaves or pine needles, a gutter screen is a great way to prevent your gutters from filling up.

Want to avoid cleaning out full gutters every year?

Now you know the main things that roofing contractors can do with gutters. Just know there are gutter companies out there who specifically do installations and repairs. 

However, you’ll find most roofing contractors can do the same. It just depends on the capabilities of each company and how much gutter work they’re willing to do.

But no matter what gutter work you need done, ask yourself, "Do I really want to clean them out every year?" If the answer is no, you should consider a gutter guard. 

I already mentioned gutter screens, but there are other options. Even if you want gutter screens, you need more information to determine if they’re worth the investment. 

That’s why I wrote another article breaking down what gutter guards are and what you need to know about them. 

Check out What are Gutter Guards? (Types, Cost, Installation, and More) to learn your options to avoid frequent gutter cleanings.