If you live in West Palm Beach, Florida, you’ve likely wondered at some point: “Do roofers clean gutters?” It’s a valid and important question, especially in a region like South Florida where frequent storms, high humidity, and abundant foliage can clog gutters quickly and compromise your roof’s integrity. With Mike Owen of Gutters of West Palm Beach, let’s dive deep into this topic and explore whether hiring a roofer for gutter cleaning is standard practice—or if it’s a job better left to a gutter cleaning specialist.
Why Roof and Gutter Maintenance Go Hand in Hand
In West Palm Beach’s subtropical climate, roof and gutter systems are subjected to year-round wear. Heavy rains, palm fronds, and moss growth can clog gutters and downspouts, causing water to back up under the roofline. This leads to issues such as:
- Roof leaks
- Foundation erosion
- Soffit and fascia damage
- Mold and mildew growth
Because of these risks, maintaining your gutters is just as important as maintaining your roof. That brings us back to our core question—do roofers actually clean gutters?
The Short Answer: Some Do, Some Don’t
Many roofing contractors in West Palm Beach do offer gutter cleaning services, but it’s not universal. Some roofers focus solely on roof repair, replacement, and inspection, while others provide comprehensive services that include gutter maintenance, gutter guard installation, and even fascia repair.
If you’re already hiring a roofer to inspect or repair your roof, it makes practical sense to ask if they’ll clean or at least inspect your gutters during the process.
What Services Might a Roofer Offer?
A reputable West Palm Beach roofing company may include the following services in their packages:
✅ Roof Inspection & Gutter Check
Most roofers will inspect gutters for clogs, corrosion, and improper pitch during a routine roof inspection. Especially if you’re preparing for storm season or dealing with insurance claims, this step is vital.
✅ Debris Removal
Some roofers offer basic gutter debris removal—clearing leaves, sticks, and dirt to restore proper water flow. This is usually included in annual roof maintenance packages.
✅ Gutter Repairs or Replacements
If your gutters are rusted, sagging, or leaking, many roofing specialists will repair or replace them as part of a larger roofing project. They might install seamless aluminum gutters, leaf guards, or custom-fit downspouts.
When Should You Hire a Gutter Specialist Instead?
While roofers can sometimes clean and repair gutters, dedicated gutter professionals especially Gutters of West Palm Beach may be a better choice for regular cleanings, especially if:
- You need bi-annual or quarterly cleanings
- Your property has multiple roof levels
- You’re installing gutter guards or leaf screens
- You’re dealing with clogged underground drainage systems
In West Palm Beach, several local gutter cleaning companies specialize in removing mold, algae, and tropical debris unique to the South Florida environment.
Pros of Hiring a Roofer for Gutter Work
1. One Service Provider = Fewer Headaches
If you’re already scheduling roofing work, combining that with gutter cleaning can streamline maintenance. Some companies even offer bundled discounts for dual services.
2. They’re Already on the Roof
Why call a separate gutter team if the roofer is already up there for a leak check? It’s safer, faster, and more cost-effective.
3. Roof-Specific Insight
Roofers understand how improperly functioning gutters affect your shingles, flashing, and underlayment. Their cleaning may come with valuable insight into deeper roof issues.
Risks or Downsides?
1. Limited Equipment
Roofers might not have the vacuum systems, gutter scoops, or pressure washers that professional gutter cleaners use, which could limit how deep the cleaning goes.
2. Not All Roofers Offer It
As mentioned, not every roofer includes gutter cleaning as a service. In fact, some may explicitly state it’s outside their scope of work.
3. Potential for Oversight
Roofers may be focused on the roof deck, shingles, and flashing—not necessarily inspecting joints in the gutter system, hidden clogs, or underground drainage.
Local Insights: West Palm Beach-Specific Considerations
West Palm Beach homes—especially those in Palm Beach Lakes, El Cid, Flamingo Park, and South End—face unique challenges. Homes in these areas often feature:
- Flat or low-pitch roofs, which are more vulnerable to water pooling
- Historic architectural styles, requiring extra care when cleaning gutters
- Tropical vegetation, which increases the frequency of gutter blockages
Because of this, it’s often advisable for local homeowners to request bi-annual cleanings: once in late spring (before hurricane season) and once in early winter (post-fall debris accumulation).
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer for Gutter Cleaning
To ensure you’re getting the best service, ask the following:
- “Do you offer gutter cleaning as part of your roofing maintenance package?”
- “Are your technicians insured for gutter work?”
- “Will you inspect the downspouts and drainage system?”
- “Do you offer gutter guard installation or repair?”
- “Can I see before/after photos of previous gutter cleanings?”
Asking these questions ensures you’re hiring someone with the right tools and experience—whether they specialize in roofing, gutters, or both.
Cost Considerations: What You Might Pay in West Palm Beach
The average cost for gutter cleaning in West Palm Beach ranges from $125 to $275, depending on the size and height of your home. If you’re bundling this with a roofing service, you might get a discount of 10–20%.
If the roofer doesn’t offer cleaning but notes an issue during inspection, they might refer you to a partnered gutter cleaning company, which may still offer a referral discount.
Final Verdict: Should You Ask Your Roofer?
Yes—you absolutely should ask your roofer if they clean gutters. In many cases, they’ll say yes or be willing to include it as part of a maintenance or inspection package. If not, they can often refer you to a local, vetted gutter professional.
Especially in West Palm Beach, where storm season, tropical flora, and roof drainage challenges combine, maintaining your gutters is essential for long-term property protection.
Takeaway: Keep Gutters Flowing, Roofs Protected
Your roof and gutter systems work in tandem to defend your home. Ignoring one compromises the other. Whether you hire a roofer or a gutter cleaning pro, what matters most is consistent upkeep—especially in a climate as active as South Florida’s.
If you’re in West Palm Beach and considering roofing work, don’t forget to ask: “Do you clean gutters too?” That one question could save you thousands in water damage repairs and mold remediation down the road.
