Do you need a new roof? Are you trying to decide if you should replace your gutters at the same time?
No matter the answer, a key factor when making the decision is what happens with the gutters during a roof replacement. Do they remove them? Protect them? Or just leave them alone completely?
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in preparing homeowners for every part of the roof replacement process. Because of this, I’ll break down how gutters are handled during a roof replacement.
This article answers the following questions:
- Do your gutters get removed during a roof replacement?
- Should you go ahead and replace your gutters when replacing your roof?
- How much will gutters add to the cost of your roof replacement?
- Will a roofer replace your gutters in the future without a roof replacement?
Do your gutters get removed during a roof replacement?
Unless you’re replacing them, your gutters shouldn't be removed during your roof replacement. Instead, the roofers will cover them and avoid leaning their ladders directly against the gutter face to avoid damaging them as they work.
Even if you are getting new gutters, they shouldn’t be removed until after your new roof is installed. However, it also depends on if you’re getting fascia work done during your roof replacement.
If you are, the gutters in the area will be removed to repair or replace the fascia board(s). But under normal circumstances, they shouldn’t be removed if you’re only replacing your roof.
Should you go ahead and replace your gutters when replacing your roof?
Many homeowners replace their gutters when replacing their roof, but it’s completely up to you. Luckily, you’ll get a better idea if it’s necessary after your roof inspection.
Your roofer will check the integrity of your gutters and recommend if you should get them replaced at the same time. If they’re in good shape and functionally sound, there’s no reason to replace them unless you really want to.
On the other hand, they should recommend replacing your gutters during your roof replacement if they have cracks, open seams, or other functionality problems. But no matter what they recommend, it’s your decision.
Maybe you just want new gutters, whether it’s a different style, metal, and/or color. Or maybe you want to replace them because you’re already getting work done at the roof line.
However, the biggest reason homeowners replace their gutters when replacing their roof is to keep everything under one umbrella instead of dealing with multiple companies. This means you’ll only have to deal with and make one payment to a single company.
So, if a problem shows up down the road, there won't be finger-pointing between the gutter company and the roofing company.
How much will gutters add to the cost of your roof replacement?
Whether you need them or just considering replacing your gutters during your roof replacement, cost probably plays a huge factor. Especially when you’re already paying $15,000+ for your new roof.
Unfortunately, I can’t be exact because every company charges different prices based on overhead, labor costs, and other factors. The cost also depends on the size, style, and type of metal you choose for your gutters.
However, I can at least give you a cost range for adding gutters to your roof replacement. For materials and labor, aluminum gutters (the most common type) cost around $10.00 to $13.00 per linear foot.
The price will be lower if the company you hire has an in-house gutter team and the right machinery. If you want to upgrade to steel or copper, you’re looking at higher prices.
Steel (depending on the gutter type) gutters will be a few dollars higher per linear foot than aluminum. However, copper gutters can cost as much as $20.00 to $40.00 per linear foot and can get up to $50.00 in certain locations.
Will a roofer replace your gutters in the future without a roof replacement?
If you don’t replace your gutters during your roof replacement, they’ll likely need to be replaced before the new roof does. The question is, who do you call when the time comes?
I recommend using the same roofing company that installed your roof if they do gutter work separately and you trust them. But if they don’t, many roofing companies offer gutter services separate from roofing work.
However, every roofer does it differently depending on their capabilities and the amount of gutter work they get. If they have an in-house gutter division, most roofers also offer gutter installation services with or without a roof replacement.
On the other hand, companies that subcontract their work may only install gutters when replacing your roof. It really does vary, and you need to look into their specific services.
However, you can always call a gutter company that specializes in gutter replacements and installations.
What gets replaced during your roof replacement?
Now you know your gutters won’t be removed during your roof replacement. You also learned if you should replace your gutters when getting a new roof, how much they’ll add to the final cost, and if you should call a roofer to do it in the future.
If your gutters have current issues, you should definitely replace them at the same time. But ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if you want to add gutters to your roof replacement.
While replacing gutters may be your choice, the things that get replaced when getting a new roof should be non-negotiable. Unfortunately, this doesn’t stop some roofers from leaving off certain components or materials to lower their prices.
To avoid this, it’s crucial to know what is actually replaced during your roof replacement.
Check out 9 Materials Included With Your Roof Replacement to learn the components and materials that are replaced when a new roof is installed.
