Do Gutters Have to be Removed When Replacing a Roof?

Roof replacement is an essential part of a home improvement project. If your existing roof has passed its lifespan of usefulness or the roof has severe damages throughout, you’ll need to get a new roof. Installing a new roof doesn’t just offer security to the inmates of the house, but it also enhances the value of the house. But one key concern that arises during a roof replacement is whether you should leave the gutters as they are or have them removed.

When getting a new roof, you should definitely consider the effect of the new installation on your gutters. Just like the roof, the gutters also need to remain in good shape for the smooth operation of your home. You can’t just replace the roof and leave the gutters in a poor quality condition. Not paying attention to the condition of gutters during the new roof installation can lead to different types of issues afterwards. But does it make sense to have the gutters removed, if they are in good condition? To decide whether you should have the roofer replace the gutters, there are some important factors that should be taken into consideration. 

Let us understand the impact of new roof installation and whether or not you should get the gutters removed as well.

How Roof Replacement Affects Gutters

It is possible to leave the gutters installed during a roof replacement. But it is important to understand the impact of this decision. In fact, you should understand what happens to the gutters during a roof installation.

Whether or not and how your gutters will be affected depends on how the gutters are installed. In some cases, gutters remain attached to the fascia board beneath the roof. If this is how your gutters are installed, a new roof installation will not affect the gutters and so the roofer will not need to remove the gutters. In other cases, installing a new roof can cause damage to the gutters. Such damages occur when the roofer or the roofing contractor removes the old shingles, moves the roofing materials on the roof and installs the new shingles. 

If the gutters sustain damage during the roof replacement, this can create few problems in future. Such damages can harm other parts of the roof and the repairs can prove to be very expensive later. In fact, the cost of repairs might prove even more expensive than removal of gutters in the first place.

Removal and Reinstallation of Gutters

Having the gutters removed becomes essential during roof replacement if the gutters are attached to the roof. If the gutter comes in the way of the new roof installation, it will most likely sustain damages, particularly along the edges. The roof can never be 100% sure that the sealing is fully intact as it was before the installation. That is why it is a good idea to have the gutters removed first, have the new roof installed and then reinstall the gutter system.

There are multiple benefits of taking this route, which is getting the gutters removed before the new roof installation.

• Have a better look at the components of the gutter system
• Ensure proper seals along the edges of the gutters
• Eliminate the risk of dents or scratches to the gutters 
• Get the best possible new roof installation

First of all, getting the gutters removed paves the path to an ideal installation of the new roof. This is actually the natural process that roofers should follow – remove the gutters and then install the new roof. 

Roof replacement is a tedious, time-consuming project. The process involves multiple steps including the installation of the roofing accessories. Once the gutters have been removed, the roofing technician will be able to properly install each accessory that goes into the roof replacement. If the gutters are not removed, the roofer will install the ice and water shield over the gutter. This can create leakage issues later and the new roof can sustain water damage.

Replacing the Gutters without Replacing the Roof

Now picture this situation: It isn’t still time to replace the roof but the gutters are in need of replacement. What should you do?

So, this is a case which is the exact opposite of what we discussed above. If the roof hasn’t expired yet, you can go ahead and get the gutters fixed as soon as you can. The roof won’t come in the way of gutters replacement. However, if the roof has almost completed its lifespan of usefulness and the gutters need replacement as well, you should wait and plan for both the replacements together. In this way, you can get the entire roof replacement project performed in a proper manner. Above all, getting the roof and the gutters replaced in one go also makes financial sense. So, you should weigh in all the factors and make a wise decision.

At the same time, you should understand the difference between the functions of the roof and the gutters. Also, the cost of a new roof is a lot more than the cost of replacing the gutters. You shouldn’t postpone the replacement of the gutters simply because it’s not yet time for getting a new roof.

Although it is ideal to get the roof and the gutters replaced at once, this may not always be possible. The decision depends on the specific issues that you face and the existing condition of the roof. If you are confused as to what you should do, feel free to seek the expert help of a roofing contractor. A professional will examine the scenario properly and offer you the most practical options. 

Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection

If your existing roof has sustained damages, you should get a roof inspection done as soon as possible. In our Lakeland roofing company, we offer free roofing estimate for home and property owners in and around Lakeland, FL. We understand the significance of both the roof and the gutter system – and how they support each other to ensure your safety and security. When we install a new roof, we carefully follow every step for the best possible installation. If gutters come in the way of the roof replacement, we’ll first remove the gutters and reinstall them after the new roof installation is complete. There is no additional charge for removing and reinstalling the gutters, but it is essential to have a perfect, leak-proof installation.

In Stronghold Roofing & Depot, our experts are always available to address your queries and concerns. Give us a phone call or send us an email now.