The Quick Answer: If your gutters are less than 10 years old and in good shape, you do not need to replace them, but they should be detached and reset to allow for proper installation of drip edges and flashing. If your gutters are damaged, sagging, or over 15 years old, it is cost-effective to replace them simultaneously with the roof.
Replacing a roof is a major investment, and it often brings up a common dilemma for homeowners: Should you remove gutters when replacing your roof?
The short answer is: It depends on the condition of your current gutters.
In this guide, we break down the risks of leaving gutters up, the “Detach and Reset” method, and the cost implications to help you make the right decision for your home.
The 3 Options: Keep, Replace, or Reset?
When scheduling a roof replacement, you generally have three options regarding your gutter system. Here is a breakdown of when to choose which method.
| Option | Best For… | Pros | Cons |
| 1. Keep in Place | Budget roofing jobs; gutters installed perfectly under the drip edge. | Lowest cost. | Risk of damaging gutters; difficult to inspect fascia rot. |
| 2. Detach & Reset | Newer gutters (under 10 years) that are still functional. | Protects gutters; allows proper flashing installation. | Labor cost to remove and reinstall. |
| 3. Full Replacement | Gutters 15+ years old, damaged, or wrong color for new roof. | Perfect aesthetic match; ensures warranty coverage. | Higher upfront material cost. |
Why “Working Around” Gutters is Risky
Many budget roofers will offer to leave your gutters exactly where they are to save you money. While tempting, this creates significant technical issues for your roofing system.
1. The Drip Edge & Flashing Problem
The drip edge is a critical metal flashing installed at the edge of the roof to guide water into the gutter and away from the fascia.
- The Issue: If gutters are nailed tightly to the fascia, the roofer cannot slide the new drip edge behind the gutter.
- The Result: Water may run behind the gutter, rotting the fascia board and causing structural damage over time.
2. Hidden Rot
Your fascia board (the board the gutter attaches to) is often prone to rot. If you don’t take the gutters down, the roofer cannot inspect the wood behind them. Installing a 30-year roof on a rotting fascia board is a recipe for disaster.
3. Ladder Damage
Roofers use heavy ladders. If gutters are left in place, the weight of ladders leaning against them can dent aluminum or crack vinyl, ruining the pitch needed for water to flow to the downspouts.
The Expert Solution: What is “Detach and Reset”?
If you love your current gutters but want a quality roof installation, ask for a Detach and Reset.
Definition: Detach and Reset is a process where the roofing crew carefully unscrews the gutters and lets them hang loosely or removes them completely during the tear-off and installation phase. Once the new shingles and drip edge are installed, the gutters are re-secured.
Why this wins:
- Prevents Damage: Roofers won’t crush your gutters with ladders.
- Proper Flashing: It guarantees the drip edge is installed behind the gutter, not on top of it.
- Cost Effective: You pay for labor, not new materials.
Tip: If your contractor refuses to detach and reset gutters to install the drip edge properly, consider finding a different roofer. This is a standard requirement for meeting building codes in many regions.
When You Should Absolutely Replace Gutters
While saving money is great, there are specific scenarios where replacing the gutters along with the roof is the smartest financial move.
- Age: If your gutters are 15-20 years old, they are near the end of their lifespan. Replacing them later will cost more as a standalone project.
- Size Upgrade: If you are upgrading to architectural shingles (which have a higher profile), you may need upgrade from 5-inch to 6-inch gutters to handle the increased water velocity.
- Seamless Integration: Installing seamless aluminum gutters during a roof replacement often allows for bundle pricing, saving you 10-20% compared to doing them separately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can you replace a roof without removing gutters?
Yes, it is possible, but not recommended. Leaving gutters in place makes it difficult to install the drip edge flashing correctly, which can lead to water damage behind the fascia board.
2. Do roofers take down gutters?
Most reputable roofers will offer to “detach and reset” your gutters. This involves loosening them to install flashing and then securing them back in place.
3. Is it cheaper to do roof and gutters together?
Yes. You can often save on labor and administrative fees by bundling the projects. Additionally, you avoid the risk of having a gutter crew damage your new roof (or vice versa) later on.
4. What comes first, roof or gutters?
The roof always comes first. The gutters need to be installed after the roof’s drip edge is in place to ensure water flows correctly into the trough.
Final Verdict
Should you remove gutters when replacing your roof?
- Yes, remove and replace them if they are old, damaged, or the wrong size.
- Yes, detach and reset them if they are in good condition but you want to ensure your new roof is waterproofed correctly.
- No, only if you are on an extremely strict budget and accept the risk of potential fascia rot.
Need a professional opinion? Contact us today for a free roof and gutter inspection to see which option is right for your home.
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