Are you getting your roof replaced and wondering what will happen to the gutters? Are you concerned about how two structures will be replaced at once?
Or are you worried that you will have to get gutters replaced even if they’re in good condition? Don’t worry!
Today I’m detailing everything you need to know about roof and gutter replacement. But first, here’s the quick answer for which you landed here:
No, roof replacement does not include gutters. It doesn’t matter if the gutter needs replacement or not; it shouldn’t be a part of the roof replacement process. Your roofer must ensure complete protection of the gutter, even if it requires replacement. Once the roof replacement is over, you can call the experts for gutter replacement.
Now that you know how it works. Here’s an explanation for why it works the way it does:
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Is Gutter Replacement Necessary for Roof Replacement?
No, as a gutter replacement is not included in roof replacement, it is also unnecessary. While it is common for homeowners to replace roofs and gutters simultaneously, you don’t have to spend money when it isn’t required.
If the gutters are working fine, you can simply get the roof replaced without doing anything about the gutters. Minor repairs in the gutters can also save you from replacing them entirely.
However, your roofer must ensure complete protection of the gutters for roof replacement so as not to allow any debris in it and cause it to choke.
Roofers must also ensure proper gutters flow before they leave your site and announce the job as complete.
Can You Get Gutter Replaced without Roof Replacement?
Yes, just like you can get roof replacement without affecting the gutters, you can get gutters replaced without impacting the roof.
However, faulty gutters can negatively affect the roof and destroy its deck. In this case, it makes more sense to get the roof replaced along with the gutter replacement.
A thorough roof inspection will be beneficial if you know your home’s faulty gutters require replacing soon.
You might find that the gutters have leaked into the roof, and both roof and gutters need replacing. This information will allow you to better plan, schedule, and budget tasks.
Should You Replace Gutters First or the Roof?
It is better to get a roof replacement before moving on to a gutter replacement. Even if your home’s gutters require replacement more than the roof, it is best to wait a little longer and get both replaced one after the other.
If you are tight on budget, you can benefit from this advice since roof replacement costs much more than gutter replacement.
But faulty gutters can also cause roof deterioration, so waiting for roof replacement isn’t always the best idea.
If you keep an eye out on both structures, you can get a gutter replacement before it begins affecting the roof.
You can also save your roof from complete replacement and only get it maintained if it hasn’t been impacted much.
Why Do Homeowners Get Gutters Replaced With Roof Replacement?
Gutter replacement costs only a fraction of roof replacement. It can cost especially low if you get both replacements using home insurance and a tax refund.
Since the gutter for the roof plays an important role, it is easy to consider them components of the same structure.
While roofers should not change the gutters, they can still inspect them and point out their faults, leading homeowners to change them even if it isn’t always required.
When Should You Replace Gutters?
Gutters prevent water damage to your home. Poorly maintained gutters can cause structural damage to almost all parts of your home, from the roof to walls to the basement.
While it is best to clean the gutters frequently and ensure their proper flow, you can notice the warning signs of gutter damage as:
Rust marks and peeling paint on the outside are clear signs of water damage from inadequate gutters. Peeling paint and wallpaper on the inside walls of the house conveys the same message.
Pools and puddles of water near your foundation also indicate damaged gutters. Water from these pools can soak your home’s basement and weaken your home’s foundation.
Gutter racks and splits are another reason for a gutter replacement you can detect from the naked eye. Splits and cracks in gutters can get bigger with time, causing damage to the roof.
Sagging gutters and gutters with water damage signs must be replaced.
Pulled away gutters or gutters with rust or chipped paint indicate gutters that cannot flow freely. If you detect this sign, you must clean up the gutters and get them replaced as soon as possible.
Good quality gutters with regular cleaning and maintenance can last up to fifty years.
With the average life span of good-quality roofs the same, replacing them together can make it easy to remember when you should schedule the next replacement.