If your roof has passed its lifespan or has serious damage, you need a new roof. With a new roof comes security and better curb appeal. Roof replacement is an exciting process, but most homeowners cannot help but wonder, do gutters have to be removed when replacing a roof?

If your gutters are in good condition, there’s no need to replace them. But even if they aren’t, the roofing contractor may not remove them during roof replacement. If you need gutter repairs or new gutters installed, you should talk to your roofing contractor and see when they recommend the repairs or replacement take place. The roofer should always take necessary precautions to protect your gutters during a new roof installation.

Let’s look at the impact of a new asphalt roof installation and how to handle gutter replacement.

Can You Install Drip Edge without Removing Gutters?

Yes, you can. The drip edge is installed under the roof shingles and hangs over the gutters. Loosen the bottom part of the shingle with a putty knife, install the drip edge and secure it with a roofing screw from the top. If you face-nail it, cover it with some roofing tar or sealant to prevent some common leaks.

Improper installation causes water to stick to portions of the shingles and work its way under the shingle causing rot. In severe situations, it may result in water damage inside the house.

Should You Replace the Gutters When Installing a New Roof?

Many homeowners consider gutter replacement during a new roof installation. However, if the gutters are relatively new or the material’s integrity is holding up, you might not have to get new gutters installed after the roof replacement process.

If you aren’t the first person to live in that home and have no information about when the last homeowner replaced the gutters or roof, a home inspection is necessary. A professional gutter installer will pick up on warning signs that indicate you need a new gutter system and roof.

Some easy signs of a worn-out roof and faulty gutter system include:

  • Sagging gutters
  • Damaged gutter guards
  • Broken or chipped siding
  • Missing shingles
  • Loose gutters

How does a Roof Replacement Affect Your Gutters?

How your current gutters will be affected during the new roof installation depends on how the gutters were installed. If the gutters were affixed to the fascia board under the roof, roof replacement won’t affect the gutters. But in other situations, including replacement of shingled roofs, the gutters can be affected causing damage. As such, the roofing expert should be extra careful working close to the current gutter system.

Should You Clean Your Gutters Before Roof Replacement?

Since the gutters aren’t removed during a new roof installation, they’ll clean them before and after a new roof installation. Your roof installer will start by removing the old roof and gutter cleaning. They remove large debris including pine needles by hand and may use a leaf blower on smaller and finer debris. After a simple roof replacement, they’ll clean the gutters again to ensure they are clear.

Expert roofers clean the roof at the start of the roofing replacement project to:

  • Expose issues hiding behind the gutters

Structural damage to the roof edges or gutters can only be seen when the area is clean. Cleaning before roof replacement allows roofers to notice potential roof edge sealing or structural damage issues including roof leaks.

  • Prevent injury of roofers during the installation

Walking on a dirty gutter system is like walking blindfolded on a tightrope high above the ground. You need to rely on feeling the rope as you walk, which increases the risk of slipping and falling. Navigating a dirty gutter and roof increases the chances of injury.

What Should You Expect During Gutter Removal?

Experienced gutter experts will inspect the type of gutter you have and determine what previous roofers used to fasten the gutter system to the roof. If nails, rivets, or screws were used, the roofers will use a hammer, drill, or screwdriver, respectively. Using the right tools helps prevent damaging the fascia.

The downspout is the first to be removed. This is because downspouts are heavy and might drag gutters down, causing damage. The gutter removal process is done by two roofers; one unfastens the gutter components, and the other holds the gutter system stable.

How Often Should Gutters be Replaced?

Gutter systems, including aluminum and galvanized steel gutters, have a 20-year lifespan, and copper gutters can serve you for over 50 years. However, to determine if your gutters are due for replacement, you should inspect them.

  • Check for rust at the bottom of your gutter system, splitting or sagging gutters, and loose fasteners.
  • Inspect the gutter system in the rain. Ensure water is flowing smoothly through the system and check for leaks or overflows

If you find problems with the gutter system, determine whether a repair or replacement is possible. Minor problems like loose downspouts and gutters can be repaired. However, if the gutter has irreparable holes or the fastening is too damaged, the system needs replacing.

Regular gutter maintenance will go a long way in helping to preserve the integrity of the system.

Should Gutter Color Match the Roof?

There’s a range of gutter colors to choose from if you opt to replace your gutters during a roof install. But if you don’t replace your gutters, you can paint the current gutters to match your new roofing material color. The gutter color is typically chosen to match colored roofs and trims

Do Roof Vents Need to be Replaced?

When there are signs of damage, roof vents should be replaced. Although caulking around can ease the problem, it’s not a permanent solution. Moreover, caulking can lead to more potential damage since it masks the damage to your home by the leak.

Should I put Ice and Water Shields on my Entire Roof?

While your roofing crew can install ice and water shields on the entire roof, it can get costly quickly. Instead, we may recommend installing this roofing underlayment on critical spots on your roof before you think of covering the entire roof. Some critical areas include:

  • Roof valleys
  • Roof vents, chimneys, flashings, and skylights
  • Roof edges

Schedule a Roof Inspection

If your current roof is damaged, schedule a roof inspection with Dunsmore Exteriors. We understand the significance of seamless gutter and roof systems and how they work together to protect your home. We are keen to follow the best approach during a new roof install. If the gutters prevent an efficient and leak proof installation, we’ll work with you to find the best solution for the roof and gutters.