When the time comes to replace your roof, you’ll need to get answers to several questions. One of them involves your home’s gutters. Do they need to be removed so that your roof can be replaced? Not always, but there are numerous factors to consider. To make an educated decision, you need to know what role your gutters play in your home’s roofing system, the circumstances in which they might need to be removed, and what leaving them in place entails.
The Role of Gutters in a Roofing System
Gutters aren’t just something potentially in the way of a roof replacement. They’re up there to work with your roofing system and protect the lower parts of your home. Gutters direct rainwater that collects on your roof away from your home’s foundation. The gutters catch the rainwater rolling off the roof and then channel it through downspouts.
If your home didn’t have gutters, the rainwater could pool around the perimeter of your house, damage the foundation, and cause soil erosion. All of that can result in long-term structural damage. Gutters can prevent all that while also preserving your siding, landscaping, and even the roofing. Well-functioning gutters reduce how much water directly impacts the parts of your home that are vulnerable to excess moisture.
Given how important your home’s gutters are, you want to make sure they’re not neglected or damaged when you have someone replace your roof. Having roofers remove the gutters might seem like a needless risk that could hurt the gutters during removal, temporary storage, or reinstallation. However, leaving them in place might also put them in danger and could complicate the roof replacement project. That’s what makes choosing gutter removal during roof replacement a tough decision.
Factors That Impact Whether Gutters Need Removal for Roof Replacement
Several factors influence whether you need to have your gutters removed for a roof replacement. The structure and design of your roof are a significant element. Some roof designs make it easy to access a roof without disturbing its gutters, but other gutter installations make roofing work hard without removing them. Low eaves and steep pitches on top of your home might necessitate gutter removal to give roofers room to work, but a home with a flatter, more accessible design might already have room for roofers to do their projects.
Gutter condition is another consideration. If your gutters are old, damaged, or in poor condition, a roof replacement project could be the ideal time to upgrade or replace the gutters at the same time. Removing your old gutters and having new ones installed can be cost-effective and easier. Having said that, gutters in good condition might be worth preserving.
Some kinds of roofing material might make gutter removal more necessary. Asphalt shingles can often be installed around the existing gutters, but tile or metal roofing might have more complicated installation processes that need extra space. If your new roof involves materials that are noticeably heavier or thicker compared to those of your previous roof, proper installation might require getting the gutters out of the way.
Underlayment and flashing are crucial components of roofing systems because they offer extra layers of protection from water infiltration. If these need adjusting or replacement, temporary removal of the gutters might be necessary. Sometimes, gutters interfere with flashing placed around the valleys and edges of a roof, making a tight, waterproof seal harder to achieve.
Safety concerns also need to be considered. Roofers need a clear and safe work environment when replacing your roof. Gutters might pose safety risks, such as unstable attachments or sharp edges. They can also obstruct access. Some roofers simply prefer gutter removal as a precaution to avoid accidental damage.
Pros and Cons of Removing Gutters for Roof Replacement
Temporarily removing gutters during a roof replacement can be beneficial for many reasons. For starters, it can make accessing the roof edge more easy. Roofers have an easier time getting where they need to be and accessing certain materials. Gutters are sometimes delicate and can get easily damaged during a big project. Removing the gutters can also be the chance to upgrade them and switch to something that complements the functionality and aesthetics of the new roof.
While removing the gutters can have potential benefits, you also need to consider the possible downsides. You might incur extra costs because removing and then reinstalling gutters adds more labor to your roof replacement expenses, and adjustments or repairs might be necessary, too. Timing and weather concerns matter if the roof replacement is happening during your local rainy season. Your home might be vulnerable to water damage during the project, but dry-season scheduling or temporary drainage solutions can mitigate this risk. Reinstallation issues can arise if the old gutters aren’t a good fit for the new roof.
Can Roofers Work Around Gutters?
Sometimes, professional roofers can work around a home’s gutters without physically removing them. Industry experts can frequently find ways to replace a roof when the gutters are still in place, particularly when the roof design permits easy access and the surrounding gutters are in good condition. Unfortunately, this approach requires more precision and can take longer. Working around gutters does increase the risk of potential damage. Removing the gutters can be a way to err on the side of caution, particularly if you’re worried about the long-term performance of the gutters.
What Happens if You Leave the Gutters in Place?
If you decide to leave the gutters in place during your roof replacement, you need to know what might happen. Leaving the gutters where they are boosts the risk of damaging them during a roof replacement; even skilled roofers have accidents that might bend, dent, or clog your gutters with debris. Roofers working on your project might have reduced access, and that can make it harder to properly install underlayment, flashing, and roofing materials. Working around gutters might slow down the installation process, and extending the project timeline might increase the labor costs.
Should You Remove Gutters for Roof Replacement?
Ultimately, the decision to remove gutters while a roof replacement is taking place will depend on the current condition of your gutters and your roof design. Consult your roofing contractor for their recommendations. In many circumstances, removing the gutters makes it easier for roofers to access the work area, reduces the chances of damage to your home, and enables an accurate, efficient roof installation. Having said that, gutters in good condition that won’t interfere with the work might not need to be removed. Weigh the potential benefits and disadvantages with your contractor, and keep your long-term goals and current budget in mind as you make this decision.
Fraser Roofing, LLC handles roof and gutter replacements, emergency roofing, roof repairs, and storm damage for the Atlanta and Augusta regions of Georgia as well as Greenville and Spartanburg in South Carolina. We guarantee full compliance with all local building codes. Plus, we handle all permits, meet HOA regulations, and manage any post-approval amendments (PAAs) as necessary.
Contact Fraser Roofing, LLC for your next roof replacement, and find out how your gutters will affect the project.
