A roof replacement is a significant investment in your home, so it can be tough to hear that you may have an added expense of gutter replacement at the same time. But faulty gutters can sabotage your new roof, making it fail faster than it should. Learn about how gutters protect your roof and the signs of when it’s time to replace them.
Why Are Gutters So Important to the Roof?
Gutters are part of the system that guides water down and away from your home. If gutters become clogged, the water will pool onto your roof. Once it’s sitting on the shingles, water can seep under the framework into your attic. Interior water damage aside, you’ll also likely need to replace your roof much sooner than you would have otherwise.
Additionally, gutters can play a role in roof replacement warranties. Take a look at your roof warranty; it likely has a section about gutters. If your roof fails early due to issues with your gutters, it may not be covered under your warranty.
That’s why it’s so important to clean and clear your gutters of debris in the fall and spring. It can seem like overkill, but gutter maintenance can be the difference between a roof lasting ten years and upwards of 25!
But even well-maintained gutters eventually need to be replaced. Learn the signs that it’s time for a gutter replacement before you replace your roof.
Do Your Gutters Need to Be Replaced?
If your roofing contractor notes that your gutters need to be replaced as well, it can sound like an upsell. But even high-quality gutters have a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. So if your gutters are reaching that age mark, or you see any of the signs below, it could be time to replace your gutters.
- Overflowing: If you notice your gutters overflowing every time it rains, there may be a blockage that isn’t visible in the main channel. Test this by cleaning out your main channel and running a garden hose through it to see if water continues to back up. That backed-up water can seep behind shingles causing damage, even to a new roof. If water continues to overflow, you likely need a replacement or at least a repair.
- Cracking: Minor holes or cracks in your gutters can be repaired with caulk, which is a relatively easy DIY project. But if you see bigger cracks that are causing major leaks, your gutters are basically useless. Your roof may stay safe from the water, but the foundation of your home will be hit and sitting in a pool of standing water, so it’s definitely time for a gutter replacement.
- Sagging: If you see your gutters sagging in the middle, they are under too much stress. This causes stress to your roof’s frame. It’s not only bad for your roof, but this misalignment will also reduce how effective your gutters are at moving water down and away from your house.
Are you considering a roof replacement, but you’re not sure about your gutters? We can connect you with a trusted contractor that will inspect your roof and gutters and give you an honest opinion on replacement. Fill out this form to get started.
