Do Gutters Have To Be Removed When Replacing A Roof?
So, it’s time to replace your roof. This is often an expensive and time-consuming project, and you may wonder whether avoiding gutter removal will make it easier. Or perhaps the opposite is true, and taking your gutters off could speed up the process.
Gutters don’t have to be removed during roof replacement, but removing and reinstalling them can protect them from damage. Some roofing contractors prefer not to remove gutters and take special precautions to avoid damaging them, while others prefer removal. During roof replacement, you do not have to replace your gutters if they are new or in good condition.
Do You Need Roofing, Siding, or Gutter Installers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Do Your Gutters Get Removed During Your Roof Replacement?
It’s very common for most people to replace their gutters when replacing their roofs. But if you’ve gotten new gutters recently or if they’re in great condition, you don’t have to replace them.
If you’re choosing not to replace your gutters, then your roofing contractor should not remove them during the roof replacement. In fact, even if you are replacing your gutters, they generally shouldn’t be removed until the new roof is installed. There are some exceptions, but there’s no need for gutter removal in most cases.
What Happens To Your Gutters During Roof Replacement?
Rather than removing your gutters, most roofing contractors will take precautions to protect them during the roof replacement process. This involves avoiding causing damage to the gutters, covering them up, and not leaning ladders against them.
Once the roof replacement is complete, your contractor will clean out your gutters. This should happen regardless of whether you’re replacing them or not. Once the roofers are done, the gutter crew will arrive to replace your gutters (if you’ve chosen to do so).
Therefore, if you’ve decided not to replace your gutters during roof replacement, they usually won’t be removed during the process. However, some roofing contractors may prefer to remove them, so it depends on who you hire for your roof replacement.
Can A Roof Be Replaced Without Removing Gutters?
It’s absolutely possible to leave the gutters in place during a roof replacement. However, depending on the way the gutters are installed, it may be necessary to remove them.
If the gutters are attached to the fascia board beneath the roof, they can stay in place. But if they are attached to the roof, problems can occur during roof replacement if they’re not removed. In this situation, they’re more susceptible to damage, which can be problematic long-term.
Let’s say the gutters are attached to the roof and get in the way during roof replacement. What’s likely to happen is that the gutters will be damaged around the edges. This prevents the roof’s sealing from remaining completely intact.
Therefore, with this type of gutter attachment, there are benefits to removing the gutter when replacing the roof. The contractor can check all the gutter system components fully and ensure proper seals along the edges. They can avoid scratches or dents to the gutters as well.
Should New Gutters Be Installed Before Or After Roof?
The best strategy is to first replace the roof and then install the new gutters. The main reason for this is that if your gutters are attached to the roof, they’ll need to be uninstalled. Then the roof replacement can move forward.
Also, replacing gutters before the roof can make the roof replacement process longer. Precautions will need to be taken to avoid damaging the new gutters while replacing the roof.
There’s a higher risk of the new gutter system sustaining damage while the roof is being uninstalled and reinstalled. And the resulting repairs and repainting of the gutters can be expensive and time-consuming.
Can Gutters Be Removed And Reinstalled?
Yes, gutters can be removed and reinstalled. This is only recommended if your gutters are in good condition. There are a few benefits to removing and reinstalling gutters when replacing your roof.
The roofing contractors can ensure your gutters have the proper pitch when they are reinstalled. Plus, removing them means the contractors won’t have to take extra precautions to protect them. Their removal means less chance of dents and scratches.
In addition, removing the gutters can make it easier to install the underlayment and ice and water shield.
Are Gutters Considered Part Of The Roof?
Gutters aren’t thought to be part of the roof itself, but they are part of the greater roof system. In a literal sense, though, gutters are not roof components.
What Is Included In Roof Replacement?
When getting your roof replaced, it’s wise to be aware of all the different parts involved in the process. Gutters are not generally included in roof replacement.
Decking
First, there’s the decking. This refers to the wooden boards that constitute the roof’s framing. Shingles and other roof components go on top of the decking.
Flashing
Next is the roof flashing, which is metal placed anywhere that shingles come into contact with other roof components. You’ll see flashing around chimneys, walls, and open valleys.
Underlayment
Underlayment is another part of roof replacement. The underlayment is typically made of felt material, and it’s placed over the decking for extra protection.
Drip Edge
The drip edge is the metal flashing installed at the edges of the roof. Its job is to control water flow so that it moves away from other roofing components.
Ice And Water Shield
An ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane that protects the roof from ice and water damage. It’s especially important for the roof valleys because they experience a constant flow of water whenever it rains.
Do You Need Roofing, Siding, or Gutter Installers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Shingles Or Other Roofing Material
While asphalt shingles are the most frequently used, other roofing material options include metal and rubber.
Ridge Capping
This roof component is trim that goes over peaks where two roof slopes come together. Ridge caps are thicker than regular shingles. They’re also pre-bent to conform to the roof’s ridges.
Roof Vents
Roof vents provide adequate ventilation to the attic.
Pipe Boots
Pipe boots are synthetic rubber boots that go around your pipes to prevent leaks.
With a lifelong passion for writing plus strong enthusiasm for home improvement and DIY projects, joining the team at Upgraded Home was an easy choice. Jessica Allen likes to share helpful information with current and aspiring homeowners. Aside from writing, Jessica loves doing yoga, playing the piano, and dabbling in graphic design.
More by Jessica Allen
