Should You Replace Gutters When Replacing a Roof?
When you go through the process of replacing your home’s roof, it’s only natural to consider buying new gutters to go along with it. Many homeowners replace their gutters while they replace their roofs, which may make newer homeowners wonder if it’s necessary. As you contemplate roofing companies and make impactful decisions on your new roof, we’re here to answer one of the most important questions: should you replace gutters when replacing a roof?
The Gutters’ Role in Roof Installation
The installation of a new roof requires the removal of your current gutters. This way, the roofers can give your roof the perfect fit to protect your home. It also ensures the new roofing materials or workers don’t damage the gutters during the roof replacement process.
Since the workers must remove the gutters anyway, many homeowners consider it easier to replace them instead of keeping the old ones. This not only saves money on labor but also gives the homeowner a memorable date they can use when they’re considering further gutter replacement or repair.
Other Benefits of Gutter Replacement
Gutters can hide damage and pests that are hazardous to your home. Creatures such as rodents or wasps can make homes within or behind your gutters and pose a threat to you, your house, and your family. In wet environments such as the Pacific Northwest, mold and mildew constantly endanger homes and can easily hide behind old gutters. A gutter replacement during a roof replacement ensures the roof inspector can identify all the health conditions of the roof—good and bad.
The Answer
With all this in mind, it’s important to remember that proper maintenance can make a roof or gutter system last longer—and your roof will need a full replacement far less often than gutters will. A well-maintained gutter system can last up to 20 years without replacement, while a well-maintained roof can last a lifetime. Ask your roof inspector during a roof replacement project if you should replace gutters when replacing the roof. Generally, it’s a safe bet to get it done all at once to save money.
It’s also important to inspect your gutters at least once every two years to avoid home damage or excess gutter replacement. If you’re looking for roof replacement and gutter installation services, NW Home Exteriors has roofing and gutter experts you can trust with products you can rely on.