As a homeowner, let’s imagine you recently decided to replace your aged and worn roof with an upgraded one. Unfortunately, you installed brand-new gutters on your home only a few years ago. What do you do now? Will the “almost new” gutters need to be removed during the roof replacement process? Is gutter removal best, or can the gutters stay in place while the house is under construction?

What risks exist if you choose to leave the gutters on the home? Are there any benefits for performing a gutter removal before tearing off the existing roof (and completing a gutter reinstallation once the new roof is in place)? With so many questions, you need decisive answers with plausible explanations to give you clear direction.

The Benefits Of Removing Existing Gutters Before A Roof Replacement

When a homeowner has decided to remove and replace roofing, they also have a separate choice regarding what to do with existing gutters. Many crucial and strategic advantages exist to temporarily removing gutters during roof replacement. Consider the following benefits:

Navigating around a gutter system during the roof tear-off and replacement process increases the risk of injury to technicians. Accessing the roof is much more difficult when gutters need safeguarding to avoid damage.

Structural issues to the roof edges may be challenging (if not impossible) to observe unless the roofer first removes the gutters. In many cases, moisture intrusion may have occurred, necessitating repair work. That moisture intrusion is more difficult to assess if gutters are in place.

Assuming the roofer can remove and replace the gutters quickly and efficiently, they can proceed with tear-off and replacement much faster because they no longer need to “dance around” the gutters to avoid damaging them.

Of paramount importance is safeguarding the gutters from damage. If the roofer has the liberty to remove the gutters before undertaking the tear-off and replacement process, the gutters can be stored securely until afterward.

By removing the gutters, the roofer can evaluate their condition to determine if new ones should replace them. Removal will help to provide a more thorough status assessment.

Time is money. Efficiency has substantial value. Homeowners prefer completion of a roofing project quickly and affordably. Removing gutters temporarily to complete the roof replacement process may help expedite the process.

Reasons Not To Have An Existing Gutter Removal Before Replacing A Roof

For gutters that cannot be easily removed and reinstalled without substantial risk of becoming damaged, homeowners should avoid taking off gutters during a roof replacement. Instead, they should be protected when replacing the roof to prevent denting and scratching.

When gutters are attached to the fascia boards beneath the roof, many roofing companies can safely remove an existing roof and install a new one without causing damage to the gutters. This approach holds true as long as proper safety precautions are employed.

A StormForce crew hard at work installing a new roof on a home in Florida.

Understanding The Risks Of Leaving Gutters On The Home While Replacing A Roof

The overriding concern with leaving current gutters in place during a roof replacement is causing substantial or irreversible damage to them. With constant traffic from roof workers, gutters become far more susceptible to dents and scratches. Ladders. Work tools. Construction equipment. Unfortunate accidents happen.

Why risk permanently damaging expensive gutters when replacing an existing roof? If gutters can be removed safely and reinstalled without too much trouble, the homeowner should insist this precautionary process occur. Generally, a reputable roofing company can make reasonable accommodations to fulfill a homeowner’s request.

If the gutters cannot be removed, a responsible roofing contractor will conceal and protect existing gutters during the roof replacement process. Naturally, gutters will not be able to perform their intended functions for this period. The home’s interior faces a greater risk of moisture intrusion if an unfortunate weather event (like a torrential rainstorm) occurs.

A StormForce crew member installing underlayment on a new roof.

Choosing The Ideal Roofing Contractor For A Roof Replacement

When selecting an established and reputable roofing company in Jacksonville, FL, homeowners have many choices. However, only a select few contractors possess the requisite knowledge and experience to walk homeowners through the roof replacement process with ease.

StormForce stands apart from the competition. We understand the variety of questions that come up for homeowners and make sure we are ready with answers! We also know under what circumstances leaving gutters on the home makes sense and when gutter removal is best. If you need roofing services, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.