Are you getting your roof replaced? Do you need new gutters? Wondering if you can knock out both your roof and gutter replacement at the same time?
Even if you don’t need your gutters replaced, you’re probably curious about what will happen to them during your upcoming roof replacement.
On average, the team here at On Tops Roofing works on over 900 roofs per year. Whether it be a roof replacement, repairs, or gutter installation, we want to make sure our homeowners understand every part of their roofing experience.
That’s why in this blog, we’re going over:
If you’re ready to get started, let’s dive in.
While most homeowners typically choose to replace their gutters when they get a new roof, it doesn’t mean you have to. If your gutters are fairly new or in good working condition, you don’t need to replace them.
If you do want your gutters replaced, they can be done at the same time as your roof. Your contractor will remove your gutters at the same time they remove old shingles. This makes it easier for them to install the drip edge without your gutter system gutter getting in the way.
If you aren’t having your gutters replaced, your contractor should take all the necessary steps to protect them during your replacement. This includes covering your gutters with tarps, avoiding putting too much weight on them, and doing everything they can to avoid damaging them while they work.
After your new roof has been installed, your contractors will start their cleanup process. They’ll use a powerful backpack blower to clear your gutters of any debris or leftover traveler granules that might have come off the shingles during your replacement.
If you’re wondering whether you’ll have to hire a completely separate contractor to work on your gutter replacement, the answer is no (depending on the roofing contractor you hire).
While this is definitely an option, most local roofing companies are equipped to do gutter installations. Many of them either have an in-house gutter division or are partnered with a local gutter company for their gutter work.
By having your roof and gutter replaced at the same time, by a quality roofing contractor, you can save yourself the hassle of working with, and paying multiple different companies.
Roof maintenance is the periodical checking of all the vulnerable areas on your roof that could be susceptible to damage. One of these vulnerable areas is your gutters.
If your gutters aren’t properly maintained, they won’t be able to protect your home. For example, leaves, debris, and other matter can clog your gutters and prevent them from draining properly. Water can then build up in your gutters and eventually overflow, causing damage to your home’s siding and foundation.
Heavy storms can also cause water to overflow out of clogged gutters and pool at the edge of your roof. If not taken care of, this exposure to water can cause shingles to curl or buckle. When shingles are compromised, water can seep underneath and damage the roof’s decking, leading to mold, decay, and interior water damage in your attic and ceilings.
Here are several warning signs that your gutters need to be cleaned as soon as possible:
Rain Overflow - One of the first indicators of clogged gutters is when water begins to spill and splash over the sides of the system. This causes water to go everywhere it shouldn’t: on the siding, into the roof, around the foundation of your home, etc.
Sagging - The weight of stagnant water and soggy debris can cause your gutters to sag. This is both unsightly and a massive safety hazard. To protect your home’s curb appeal, replace your gutters when they begin to warp or show too much damage.
Stained Siding - If your gutters are clogged, water will travel along the eaves of your house and leak into the siding. This will leave water stains on your home’s exterior and eventually lead to warping.
Standing Water - If you see pools of water around the foundation of your home, check and see if your gutters are clogged. This could indicate that your gutters are clogged and water isn’t properly draining away from your home.
By the time you notice these issues, it could be too late. That’s why it’s so important to invest in periodical gutter maintenance. Whether it be cleaning debris out of the gutter and downspouts yourself or hiring a contractor to check them out as part of a roof inspection, you need to develop a regular maintenance routine.
A valley is an area where two different roof slopes come together. This creates a “V” shape that allows rainwater to flow freely down your roof. If a valley stops in the middle of your roof, it will require a gutter connected to it to ensure water continues moving away from your home.
If the gutter connected to the valley gets clogged with leaves and other debris, water could overflow and splash onto your fascia (the boards that run directly behind your gutter system.) Consistent exposure to water will cause your fascia to eventually deteriorate and rot.
Fascia decay isn’t the only damage that could come from a clogged gutter. If your fascia wasn’t installed with proper flashing, water could leak through it and get underneath the soffit (the material that connects the far edge of your roof to the exterior wall of your house). From there, it can damage the rest of your roofing materials and create leaks in your attic.
This is just one way clogged gutters can create a roof leak. You can read this article to learn five more reasons you should regularly clean your gutters.
On Tops Roofing has been working with Raleigh area homeowners for their roof and gutter replacement needs since 1991! Whatever your roof requires, We’re on it!