Who Does Gutter Work? How to Pick the Right Pro for the Job
Get your head out of the gutter and into the phone book
Your gutter system plays an important role in keeping your home and foundation safe from water runoff. So, when your gutters need a little TLC, it’s helpful to know who to call. From maintenance to repairs and replacement, licensed gutter professionals in your area are your first line of defense if you need gutter work. Learn more about who does gutter work when things go awry up top.
Benefits of Hiring a Gutter Company for Gutter Work
When in doubt, contact a licensed gutter company before reaching out to any other pros. They specialize in this type of work and can perform anything your roof drainage system might require, from small repairs to full gutter replacements and even cleanings. Furthermore, gutter pros have the necessary tools and equipment to safely work on a ladder.
Can I Hire a Roofer for Gutter Work?
Some roofing companies offer gutter work in addition to or independent of roof construction, but not all. If you’re considering hiring a pro like this to take care of your gutter, do some research first to find out if there’s one near you that has a gutter division. If not, you should skip this route and just go directly for a gutter pro.
On the other hand, you may want to hire a roofer if the top of your home is also in need of repairs—just make sure they do gutter work, too. In some cases, they may offer a discounted rate on the cost of gutter repairs when combined with larger, more costly roof maintenance.
Can I Hire a Handyperson for Gutter Work?
Handypeople can often take care of an assortment of tasks, from patching up your drywall to fixing your gutters. While they may be able to perform a routine gutter cleaning or make a small repair with ease—and charge less than other pros to boot—they aren’t always qualified or licensed to fix larger issues, like installing an aluminum gutter or seamless gutter from scratch, for instance.
So If you need a simple gutter cleaning, a handyperson can do the job. But if you need a gutter repair or installation, it’s best to hold off and go right for the gutter specialist.
How the Pros Do Gutter Work
There are several different types of gutter tasks and the process for each is entirely different. For instance, pros won’t need a lot of tools or time to perform a simple cleaning, but they will for both small and heavy-duty repairs.
Here’s a quick example of what a pro will do when making a small repair like reattaching a downspout and repairing a sagging gutter:
Remove loose attachment brackets and old screws from throughout the gutter system.
Adjust the gutter pitch to be slightly lower and facing upwards, fixing it in place with new screws.
Attach new brackets to secure them in place.
Remove the loose straps from the downspout and position it flush with the gutter's bottom opening.
Attach new straps using specialized gutter screws.
How Much Does Gutter Work Cost?
What you’ll pay for gutter work depends on the type of repair, what material your gutter is made of, and what pieces—if any—need to be replaced. For example, copper gutters cost more to repair than steel, aluminum, or vinyl. In general, you can expect to spend as little as $75 for small repairs, or up to $1,700 for the cost to install new gutters.
DIY vs. Hiring a Gutter Pro
With the help of DIY guides and videos, it’s quite possible to make small gutter repairs on your own. Not to mention, because you’ll only be paying for the materials, you’ll spend less that way, too.
On the flip side, you’ll want to hire a gutter company near you if the work is more involved or requires special tools, equipment, or licensing. And if you’re afraid of heights, definitely leave this job to a pro.
