Should you Replace Gutters when Replacing a Roof

Determine if it's the Right Time to Replace Your Gutters

When you are replacing your roof, you have quite a few decisions to make–what type of roof materials to use, whether you should keep the same type of shingles or go with a different type and whether you should repair or replace the roof. One of the things you should consider is whether to replace the gutters when you replace the roof or whether to keep the gutters you have installed. And, if you are replacing the roof and the gutters, which should you replace first?

At Allied Roof Solutions, your New Jersey roofers, our business focuses on replacing roofs. We can help you decide on replacing the roof and the gutters by inspecting your roof. In general, it isn’t always necessary to replace gutters when you replace the roof. However, there are situations where you should replace the gutters at the same time. In this article, we discuss when you should replace gutters and other related issues.

Signs That You Need to Replace Your Gutters

Gutters are critical in keeping water away from your home’s foundation. When you have water damage around the foundation, you are looking at expensive solutions that may be complicated. It’s good to keep an eye out for visible signs that your gutters may need to be replaced. The gutters on your house should always be joined together with an airtight seal. When the seal is broken or damaged, the house is vulnerable to leaks and other damage. You can try to repair the seams but if the breaks are frequent between gutters, you should consider replacing your gutters.

If you are seeing evidence in the basement of a wet, damp, or moldy foundation, you may need to replace your gutters. This means that they are not doing their job of directing water away from the house. If your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris for a lengthy time, you may also see stains on your basement walls caused by water or discoloration around window frames. Other signs of water damage from inefficient gutters are curling wallpaper, damp carpet, or doors and windows that don’t close properly due to a shifting foundation.

When Should You Replace Gutters At the Same Time As the Roof?

You don’t have to replace gutters at the same time you are replacing the roof. If your gutter system is in good shape, it’s fine to keep the ones you have. But, if the gutters are old, at the end of their usable life, or damaged, you should consider getting new ones. When you replace both the roof and gutters concurrently, you know you have an updated system that works well together. This especially makes sense if you are able to upgrade to a seamless gutter system from an old one with seams. It’s important to note, however, that even when the gutters are being replaced along with the roof, the roof is always replaced first and then the gutters are replaced. 

What If I Keep My Gutters?

If you don’t have gutters that are damaged or old and need to be replaced, you will want to keep them when you have the roof replaced. In this case, the roofing contractor won’t remove the gutters. When you don’t replace the gutters with the roof, your roofing contractor will take the necessary steps to make sure the gutters are protected during the roof replacement process. Covering the gutters, keeping roofing materials off the gutters, and keeping ladders from leaning on them are all precautions the roofer will take. If the gutters require some repair work, it can be done after the new roof is installed.

Do I Need to Hire a Different Company to Replace the Gutters?

Most roofing contractors can replace the roof and also replace the gutters. At Allied Roofing Solutions, we can take care of the two jobs without another contractor being involved. Instead of dealing with multiple companies, you can use a one-stop shop for convenience. This way, if there is a problem down the road, you only have one company to deal with.

Contact Allied Roofing Solutions for Replacing Your Roof

If you are looking for a roofing contractor to replace your roof, contact our professional, licensed, and experienced team at Allied Roofing Solutions. We can replace the roof, replace the gutters, and repair your roof with top-notch service and skill. We serve New Jersey residents in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Somerset County. Call us at  (201) 773-0633 or complete the free estimate form to schedule an appointment.