Should I replace my roof or gutters first?

When it comes to home improvement, gutters and roofs clearly go together. But a typical concern is which should be addressed first, and is it need to replace both at once? Let’s analyze these questions and examine important gutter issues.

Setting up the crown and water management system in your home

Replacing a gutter and installing a roof are separate operations. When both are needed—which our statistics indicate happens in about 50% of projects—The roof is given priority followed by the gutter system.

Why Does the Order Matter?

Protective tarps are attached to the roof deck—that section just above the gutters—during roof installation. This layout lets roofers effectively remove old shingles without running the danger of damage to windows, siding, or screens. Furthermore, ladders placed against gutters during roofing operations make it a smart move to install new gutters later on to prevent possible damage to a just-built gutter system.

Schedule for Full Renovation

A full roof and gutter replacement typically spans two days—one for each component. These days, however, are not consecutive; the delay between roof and gutter installation could run a few days to a week.

Gutter Variations and Installation Techniques

Most homes have K-style gutters, which come in standard 5-inch widths or wider 6-inch sizes. The latter is better for bigger roofs or business buildings that get a lot of water runoff because it has 40% more capacity.

For steep roofs, where water velocity is greater, or for large, intricate roof designs, oversized gutters are advised. Standard 5-inch gutters work for most home projects.

Gutter Longevity and Aesthetics

Aluminum gutters are the most commonly chosen material, which usually last around 20 years; copper alternatives can last half a century or more. While it doesn’t determine lifespan, color choice will improve the look of your house. Most people choose white, but colors that go with shutters or black gutters with dark roofs are now popular choices.

How Important It Is to Have Good Gutters?

Water management depends much on gutters, which also help to minimize structural problems, basement floods, and possible foundation damage. Inadequate or nonexistent gutters could cause water to pool close to your house, therefore gradually creating major and expensive damage. If your gutters aren’t big enough, water can overflow and damage your fascia boards and let water in. When this happens a lot, it can cause foundation cracks and mold growth, both of which are expensive to fix.

Choosing a Qualified Gutter Contractor

These considerations should help you decide on a gutter installation expert:

• Check licenses and current insurance.
• Analyze their experience
• View online reviews on several platforms.
• Look for complaints through consumer protection organizations.
• Ask for finished project samples and local references.

Final Thought

Roofs and gutters work together, so it’s important to take care of both. First, we install your new roof. Then, we put in your gutters. It’s that simple. We’re confident in our work, so feel free to ask us anything about how we do the job. Our goal is to give you a roof and gutters you’ll be happy with.