Unfortunately, there is no one answer and this one really depends on your specific roof, the work you are having done, and what type of gutters you have.
There are truly two questions lurking here:
- Should your gutters be removed when replacing the roof? AND…
- If removed, should you re-use your existing gutters or get brand-new ones?
Generally, if you can afford it, it’s ideal to get new gutters and roof as part of one job. This will ensure that your gutters and roof work optimally together.
If you are getting a complete roof tear off and replacement then the gutters will have to come off.
There are a number of variables when deciding on whether to replace your old gutters with new ones:
- How new are your gutters? Gutters and roofs generally last between 20 and 30 years so ideally they were installed at the same time and are both in need of being replaced at the same time. If your gutters are new and out of sync with the update cycle – perhaps they had to be replaced after being damaged – it’ll make the decision tougher.
- What kind of shape are your gutters in? Are they damaged? Rust? Peeling paint? Dents? Leaks? Holes? The worse off they are the more reason there is to replace them along with your roof.
- What is your roofing contractor recommending? Your roofers are the experts in this area. They will know if your gutters can remain on or if they have to come off.
- What style of gutters do you have? Eavestrough gutters are integrated into the roof and will require very different handling when compared to the more common aluminum K-style gutters, for example.
- How are your gutters installed?
- What type of roof work are you having done? Adding a new layer of shingles over the old doesn’t necessarily require removing gutters but having a complete tear off of the roof and replacement will.
If you do forgo gutter replacement along with the roof replacement, it WILL be cheaper of course so that is something to consider.
If you don’t remove gutters and install them when your roof is being replaced you risk:
- Damage to your gutters during the roof work. Yes, a good roofer will take precautions to avoid denting or damaging your gutters but you never know.
- Non-optimal interaction between your old gutters and new roof – your drip edges, fascia board, and flashing might not function correctly for example. You want to have a tight seal between the new roof and gutters to ensure you don’t get any leaks.
- Keeping problem areas hidden. There might be animal or weather damage hidden behind the gutters that would be revealed if you removed the gutters.
If you do leave your gutters on while getting a new roof installed, be sure your roofing contractor cleans the gutters after the roofing process is completed.
Questions to ask your roofer about your gutters before getting a new roof
- What do they recommend for the gutters? Should they be removed?
- When will they remove the gutters in the process? If they aren’t removing them, what is their plan for keeping your gutters safe and cleaning them?
- Can you re-use your existing gutters or do they recommend you get new ones?
- Who will be handling the gutters, the roofing company or a subcontractor?
Can you reattach old gutters after getting a new roof?
Yes. That will definitely save you money but your gutters should be in good shape if you’re going to do this because why waste the cost of re-installing old gutters that you’ll need to remove in a couple of years anyway? Got rust, leaks, holes and other damage? Probably better to get new gutters altogether.
Should you replace gutters before or after new roof?
It doesn’t make sense to get new gutters installed right BEFORE you get a new roof. Ideally, you should replace your gutters as part of the work of getting a new roof.
Do roofing companies deal with guttering?
Yes, generally, your roofer can either handle the installation themselves or will have subcontractors they work with that can do the job. They may also offer gutter cleaning or repair.
Do gutters need to be removed to replace siding?
Gutter removal may be necessary to access existing siding. If a patch of siding must be replaced, only the gutter pieces directly above and below the area need to be removed.
After the new siding is installed, gutters can generally be reattached to their original locations.
