Not always. Gutters are not part of the roof covering, so a new roof does not automatically require new gutters, but the two work together at the roof's edge, so it makes sense to check the gutters while the roof is being done. Whether to replace them depends on their condition, whether hail or wind damaged them, and what the crew finds at the edge of the roof.
How do gutters and a roof work together?
At the lowest edge of a roof, shingles run just past the wood so that water falls clear of the house and into the gutter. A strip of metal along the edge, called drip edge, helps guide water into the gutter and keeps it from creeping back under the shingles. Behind the gutter sits the fascia board that the gutter attaches to. If any of these parts fail, water can find its way behind the gutter, into the wood, and into the house.
Because the gutter hangs on the fascia, and the new shingles and drip edge sit just above it, the roof edge is a place where the roofing crew and the gutter work overlap. That is why many homeowners decide to evaluate both together.
When does it make sense to replace gutters at the same time?
| Situation | Why replacing together can make sense |
|---|---|
| Hail dented or damaged the gutters | Dented gutters often show the same storm that hit the roof |
| Gutters sag, pull away or leak at the seams | A roof edge job exposes how loose they really are |
| Fascia boards are soft or rotted | Found when the crew works along the edge; the gutter has to come off to fix them |
| You want a different style or system | Cheaper to coordinate in one project |
| Gutters are very old | Replacement at the edge may be easier while the crew is already there |
Our owner has mentioned new gutters going on alongside a new roof, and some of our crews' jobs include gutter work, screens and other exterior items in the same project. That does not mean every job needs them. It means the roof edge is a natural time to decide.
When can you keep your existing gutters?
If the gutters are straight, firmly attached, leak-free and in good shape, there is often no reason to replace them. A roofer may be able to detach and reattach them, or work around them, depending on the installation. Ask whether the crew will remove and reinstall them and what the plan is if they bend or break during the work.
What about hail damage to gutters?
Hail often dents gutters and downspouts, and dents on soft metal are one of the easiest signs of a storm to spot from the ground. If your gutters are dented, that can be a clue the roof deserves a closer look too. Whether gutter damage is covered by an insurance policy depends on the policy, so read yours and ask your agent. A roofer can document what they see, but cannot tell you what your insurer will cover.
What kinds of gutter options are there?
Options include standard sectional gutters, seamless gutters formed to length, and add-ons such as guards. Our owner has mentioned offering "full wrap" gutter work as part of the exterior services. Because that term can mean different things, ask any contractor to explain exactly what is included, which materials are used, and how it attaches. Do not assume.
How do you decide, step by step?
- Look from the ground. Check for dents, sagging, gaps and stains on the fascia.
- Look in a heavy rain, if you can. Watch for overflow, leaks at joints and water running behind the gutter.
- Ask your roofer what they see at the edge. They can often tell more once the old edge is exposed.
- Get gutter work priced separately from the roof, so you can compare and decide.
- Ask who handles removal, reinstall and warranty for the gutter work.
- Decide based on condition, not on a blanket rule.
What questions should you ask a contractor?
- Will you remove and reinstall my gutters, or replace them?
- How will you check the fascia for rot, and how is rot handled?
- What drip edge do you install, and how does it sit relative to the gutter?
- What gutter materials and styles do you offer, and what does each include?
- What is the plan if my gutters are damaged during the roof work?
Frequently asked questions
Do new gutters come with a new roof? Not automatically. Gutters are a separate part of the exterior, priced and installed separately even when done in the same project.
Can I replace my roof and keep my old gutters? Often yes, if the gutters are in good condition. The crew may remove and reinstall them or work around them.
Does insurance pay for gutters damaged by hail? That depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. Read your policy and ask your agent.
Why does fascia matter? The gutter attaches to the fascia. If the fascia is rotted, the gutter has nothing sound to hold onto, and water can get into the wood behind it.
What is drip edge and does it matter with new gutters? It is a metal strip along the roof's edge that helps direct water into the gutter and away from the wood. Ask your roofer what they install and how.
Want someone to look at the roof edge?
If you would like a roofer to look at your roof and gutters and explain what they see, call Total Roof Protection OKC at 405-415-5841. An inspection tells you about the roof. It does not predict, promise or replace any insurance decision.