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Are Gutters Included in Roof Replacement?
Replacing a roof is one of the biggest home maintenance investments a homeowner can make. It’s natural to want to know exactly what the process involves—and just as importantly, what it doesn’t. A common question that comes up during this process is: Are gutters included in a roof replacement?
The short answer is: Not always.
Whether or not your gutters are included in a roof replacement depends on several key factors: the condition of your current gutters, the scope of the roofing contractor’s work, and your specific agreement with the contractor. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how roof replacements and gutters intersect, how to decide whether to replace or keep your gutters, and what to expect if both are done at the same time.
Understanding the Scope of a Roof Replacement
Let’s start by defining what a standard roof replacement includes.
Typically, a roof replacement involves:
- Removing the existing roofing material (shingles, underlayment, nails, flashing)
- Inspecting and repairing the roof decking
- Installing new underlayment and flashing
- Installing new shingles or roofing material
- Sealing and waterproofing key areas
- Cleaning up debris
Nowhere in this basic list do you see gutters explicitly included. That’s because gutters are considered a separate system from the roofing structure, even though they work closely together.
So, unless gutter removal and replacement are discussed and agreed upon ahead of time, gutters are not automatically included in a roof replacement.
Why Gutters and Roofing Are Often Handled Separately
Even though gutters are attached to the roofline and manage the runoff from your roof, roofing and gutter systems serve different purposes and are built using different materials and methods.
Here are a few reasons why roofing contractors may not automatically include gutters in their roof replacement services:
1. Gutters May Not Need Replacement
Gutters often last longer than the shingles themselves. If your gutters are still in good condition and functioning properly, there may be no need to replace them, even if the roof is being replaced.
2. Specialization
Some roofing contractors don’t handle gutter systems at all. Others may offer it as an add-on service or partner with a gutter installation company. Installing gutters requires different equipment and knowledge, especially for seamless gutters or specialized downspout systems.
3. Customer Preference and Budget
Replacing gutters adds to the overall cost of a project. Homeowners may opt to keep their current gutters for budget reasons or prioritize roof replacement only if they’re working within a limited budget.
When Are Gutters Included in Roof Replacement?
There are cases when gutters are included in the project, and this usually happens under specific circumstances.
1. If the Gutters Are Old or Damaged
If your gutters are leaking, pulling away from the fascia, sagging, or rusted, the contractor may recommend replacing them during the roof replacement process. Doing both at the same time can help ensure proper alignment and avoid potential damage to new materials.
2. If Gutters Obstruct the Roofing Work
Sometimes gutters have to be removed temporarily to allow the roofers to work, especially if flashing or fascia boards need to be replaced. In these cases, the contractor may offer to reinstall the old gutters or suggest installing new ones if the existing system is in poor condition.
3. If the Contractor Offers Both Services
Some roofing companies also install gutters. If that’s the case, they may offer you a bundled package or discount to replace both systems at once.
4. Insurance Coverage or Financing
If the roof replacement is being handled through insurance (due to storm damage, for example), gutters may be included in the covered repairs if they were damaged by the same event.
The Relationship Between Gutters and Roof Function
While they are separate systems, your roof and gutters are highly interdependent. Your roof is responsible for shedding water, and your gutters are responsible for catching and directing that water safely away from the foundation. If either system fails, it can cause problems throughout the home.
Here are a few ways they impact each other:
Improperly Functioning Gutters Can Damage a New Roof
- Clogged or sagging gutters can allow water to back up under your new shingles.
- Gutters that pull away from the fascia can damage the edge of your roof.
Poor Roof Installation Can Damage Gutters
- Drip edges and flashing that aren’t installed correctly can direct water behind your gutters instead of into them.
- Roofing nails and tools can accidentally dent or loosen gutters if care isn’t taken.
This is why communication between you and your contractor is key. Make sure your contractor assesses the condition of your gutters during the roof estimate so that you can decide whether to leave them as-is, repair them, or replace them.
Signs Your Gutters Should Be Replaced with Your Roof
Here are some common indicators that it may be a good idea to replace your gutters when you replace your roof:
1. Age
Gutters, particularly aluminum or galvanized steel ones, typically last about 20 years. If your gutters are nearing the end of their lifespan, it’s often more cost-effective to replace them along with the roof.
2. Leaks or Overflowing
If you notice frequent overflowing or leaks during rainstorms, your gutters may be failing.
3. Visible Damage
Look for cracks, rust, warping, or sections that are pulling away from the roof.
4. Water Pooling at the Foundation
If your gutters aren’t effectively directing water away from your home, it can lead to foundation damage over time.
5. Sagging or Pulling Away
Sagging gutters may not have enough support or may be filled with debris or water. Either way, they’re no longer functioning as they should.
Should You Replace the Roof or Gutters First?
If you plan to replace both your roof and gutters—but not at the same time—it’s usually best to replace the roof first. Here’s why:
- The gutter system is typically attached to the fascia board, which may need repair or replacement during the roof project.
- Roofing materials may fall and damage new gutters if installed first.
- You’ll get better sealing between the roof edge and gutter system when they’re coordinated properly.
However, if you’re doing them in separate phases, be sure your roofer takes care when removing and reinstalling the existing gutters if they’re going to be reused.
What If You Want to Keep Your Existing Gutters?
If your gutters are in great shape and you don’t want to replace them, be sure to have this conversation with your roofing contractor before work begins.
Ask:
- Will the gutters need to be temporarily removed?
- If removed, will they be reinstalled correctly?
- Is there a risk of damaging the gutters during roof removal?
- Will the new roof have drip edge flashing, and how will that affect the gutter installation?
Keeping gutters in place requires coordination to ensure the new roof still performs as it should without compromising the existing gutter system.
Coordinating Gutter and Roof Installation: Tips for Homeowners
If you’re doing both at once or trying to plan the order of events, here are a few tips:
1. Work with a Contractor Who Handles Both (or Coordinates With Another Team)
Whether it’s one company or two, make sure the contractors are aligned on timing and installation standards.
2. Get a Full Inspection of Both Systems
Make sure the roof and gutter systems are both inspected before finalizing your decision. What looks okay from the ground could be hiding deeper issues.
3. Include Gutter Replacement in Your Quote
Even if you don’t plan to replace your gutters, get a quote anyway. It may be more affordable than expected, especially if done in tandem with the roof.
4. Plan for Drainage and Downspouts
A new roof may shed water more efficiently or in different patterns than your old one. Ensure your new or existing gutters are designed to handle this.
Gutter Guards and Accessories
If you’re already working on your gutters during a roof replacement, it might be a good time to consider adding gutter accessories, such as:
- Gutter guards to reduce clogging from leaves and debris
- Splash blocks or extensions to direct water further from your home
- Downspout filters or diverters for rainwater harvesting
Making these improvements now can increase the performance and reduce maintenance needs later on.
Cost Considerations
The cost of replacing gutters during a roof replacement depends on:
- The material (aluminum, copper, vinyl, steel)
- Linear footage needed
- Number of downspouts and corners
- Type of gutter (seamless vs. sectional)
- Regional labor rates
Gutter replacement typically ranges from a few hundred dollars for small homes to several thousand for larger or multi-story homes.
Bundling the roof and gutter replacement together may help reduce labor and disposal costs.
Final Thoughts
Are gutters included in a roof replacement? Not by default—but they can be, and sometimes they should be.
If your gutters are in good condition and don’t interfere with the roofing work, you can probably keep them. But if they’re old, damaged, or inefficient, replacing them during the roof project can save time, prevent future damage, and improve your home’s overall protection.
Always have a clear conversation with your roofing contractor about the condition of your gutters, their recommendations, and whether or not gutter work
