Should You Replace Your Gutters At The Same Time As a Roof Replacement?
You're getting a brand-new roof; should your gutters get an upgrade too? Or can they hang on a little longer?
The short answer is not always, but it isn't always that simple. It often depends on the health of your gutter system as a whole. Gutters aren't the most exciting part of a roofing project, but they play a critical role in protecting your home.
At Happy Roofing, we believe homeowners deserve clear, honest guidance instead of blanket recommendations. In this article, we'll break down:
- When it makes sense to replace your gutters during a roof replacement
- How much it costs to add gutter replacement to your roofing project
- What happens if you decide to wait on gutter replacement
By the end, you'll understand how your gutters support the health of your roof and home, and whether replacing them during your roof replacement could be the right move for you.
Table of Contents
- Are Gutters Removed During a Roof Replacement?
- Should You Replace Gutters With Your Roof Replacement?
- How Much Does Gutter Replacement Cost?
- Finding a Trusted Roofing Expert
Do Roofers Remove Gutters During a Roof Replacement?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that gutters are not always removed during a roof replacement, but it depends on the job. In most cases, if your gutters are in good shape and not interfering with the roof edges or flashing, roofers will work around them.
However, your gutters may need to be removed in areas where they:
- Are attached too high or too tight to the fascia (the vertical board running along the roof edge), preventing proper shingle installation.
- Block access to the drip edge (the metal strip installed at roof edges to direct water away from the fascia) that needs to be replaced or adjusted during the roof job.
- Your gutters are already loose, sagging, or damaged, making reinstallation ineffective or unsafe
Should You Replace Gutters During a Roof Replacement?
While it's not always necessary to replace your gutters at the same time as your roof, there are several situations where doing both together can save time, reduce labor costs, and prevent future issues that could compromise your new roof.
Here's when you should strongly consider replacing your gutters during a roof replacement:
- Existing gutters are old, dented, or sagging: If your gutters are nearing the end of their lifespan (typically around 20 years for aluminum systems), it's smart to replace them while your old roof is being torn off. Dents, corrosion, sagging, or separated seams can all affect how well water flows. Once your new roof is installed, reattaching damaged gutters can cause leaks and uneven drainage.
- Water damage or signs of overflow at the fascia: Overflowing water or staining along the fascia often signals improper gutter slope, blockages, or hidden rot behind the gutter system. If extensive corrections need to be made, a roof replacement may offer the perfect opportunity to update the gutter system.
- Upgrading gutter size, style, or material: If your gutters are undersized, showing wear, or don't fit your style, a roof replacement is the perfect time to upgrade. New gutter systems are designed to handle water more efficiently, require less maintenance, and last longer. Replacing sectional gutters with seamless aluminum is also a smart upgrade (since seamless gutters are custom-cut to fit your home in one continuous piece, they're less likely to leak, clog, or pull apart over time). Modern gutter styles and colors can also better complement your home's look.
- Installing a new roof style or new fascia board: If you're already planning a roof replacement, replacing your gutters at the same time can save you some hassle in the long run. You'll avoid scheduling multiple projects, minimize disruption around your home, and end with a gutter system tailored to your new roof. In some cases, contractors may offer small cost incentives (like 10% off the gutter replacement) for combining the work, since crews, equipment, and disposal only need to be scheduled once.
| If… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Your gutters are old, dented, or sagging | Replace them during your roof project. Aging or damaged gutters can leak or drain unevenly, and reinstalling them on a new roof can cause long-term water issues. |
| You see water stains or overflow at the fascia | Have your roofer inspect the slope and attachment. If there's hidden rot or misalignment, replacing the gutter system prevents repeat problems later. |
| You want to upgrade gutter size, style, or material | Do it with your roof replacement. Installing seamless or larger-capacity gutters now ensures perfect alignment with your new roofline and can streamline planning. |
| You want to replace everything in one go | Replacing both systems at once minimizes disruption, provides full warranty coverage, and ensures your entire water management system starts fresh. |
| Your gutters are newer, or are in good condition | You don't need to replace them. A reputable roofer can temporarily detach and reinstall them if needed, ensuring they're properly sealed and aligned after the roof work is complete. |
How Much Will Gutter Replacement Add to My Roofing Cost?
Every home is different, but most gutter replacements add around $1,200–$2,500 to the total cost of the roof project. This depends on the size of the home, the type of gutter system, and the materials you choose.
Typical Price Range for Gutter Replacement
On average, new gutters cost about $5–$12 per linear foot, including labor for removal and installation. For a typical single-family home with roughly 200 linear feet of gutters, that works out to around $1,200–$2,500 total.
Larger homes or more complex systems, like seamless aluminum or copper gutters, typically cost more because they require additional labor and pricier materials.
What Affects the Price of Gutter Replacement?
Several factors, like home size and gutter material, can influence how much your gutter replacement adds to your roof project. Here's what influences gutter installation cost:
- Home size and design: Larger homes typically need more linear feet of gutter and downspout material. Roofs with multiple levels, valleys, or intricate architectural features also require more precise installation, which can increase both labor and material costs.
- Material: Aluminum is the most common and cost-effective option, offering dependable performance and low maintenance. Stainless steel and copper come at a higher premium but deliver exceptional durability, longer lifespans, and a high-end look that can elevate your home's exterior.
- Gutter style: K-style gutters are the standard on most homes because they're affordable, durable, and hold more water than other styles of the same width. Half-round gutters, with their smooth, rounded shape, add a classic architectural look and allow water and debris to flow more freely. Seamless gutters, being custom-fabricated on-site to fit your home in one continuous run, minimize leaks and maintenance while delivering a cleaner, high-end finish. Each of these options comes in at a different price, reflecting its complexity.
Below is an example of a K-style gutter:
Finding a Trusted Roof Replacement Expert
Your home relies on your gutters to remain dry and protected. While you don't always need to replace them during a roof replacement, staying on top of your gutter condition can help prevent surprise overflows and other issues from arising later.
At Happy Roofing, we want homeowners to understand their options and make decisions that actually make sense for their home and budget. Whether you decide to replace your gutters now or wait until later, the most important step is working with a contractor who values transparency, craftsmanship, and communication.
If you're still comparing roofers in your area and want to know who you can trust to do the job right, check out our guide: Who Are the Best Roof Replacement Companies in Naperville? It breaks down the top-rated companies serving local homeowners, based on quality, reputation, and customer experience.
If you'd like a clearer picture of your gutter system and overall roof health, we offer no-obligation roof inspections designed to give you honest answers and real insight. We want to help you feel informed, without any pressure to commit.
