Should You Replace Gutters With a New Roof?

Quick answer: Replacing your roof doesn’t always mean replacing your gutters, but in some cases, it’s the smartest move. The key is knowing when it’s necessary, how to avoid damage, and how timing and coordination can save you money and future headaches. 

You’re already investing in a new roof, probably fifteen grand or more. The last thing you want is to tack on another few thousand for gutters you think might be fine. 

I’ve seen what happens when good roofs get paired with failing gutters. 

Water damage. Rotted fascia. Leaks that lead straight into your foundation. 

And the worst part? Half the time, no one takes responsibility because the roofer blames the gutter guy and vice versa.

So here’s the deal: do you have to replace your gutters when you install a new roof? No. 

But should you? That depends, and this article will break it all down for you.

We’ll look at when it makes sense to keep your gutters, when to replace them, and how to do the job right the first time. Let’s get into it.

Why New Roofs Don’t Always Mean New Gutters

Gutters are not automatically replaced when you install a new roof, and that’s one of the most common misconceptions we hear from homeowners. 

Let’s break down exactly how this works so you know what to expect when planning your project:

1. Gutters Are Not Inherently Part of a Roof Replacement

Most roofing jobs do not include gutter replacement. 

Unless you specifically ask for it, or it’s needed due to damage or rot, your gutters will stay right where they are.

2. Industry Standard Is to Protect, Not Remove Gutters

A professional roofing crew will take steps to protect your existing gutters:

• Covering them with boards or guards
• Avoiding pressure from ladders or falling debris
• Working around them carefully to prevent dents or scratches

3. Fascia or Drip Edge Work May Require Gutter Removal

If your project includes:

• Fascia board repairs or replacement
• New drip edge installation

Then, the gutters do need to come off in those sections. They’re carefully removed and either reinstalled or replaced based on condition and alignment needs.

So, if you have gutters in a perfect condition then practically there’s no need to install new ones with a roof. 

But, that should be determined after a complete gutter inspection. Else, you could prolong the work unnecessarily. And if the inspections shows the need for replacement, it’s best to have them handled together. 

How to Know If Your Gutters Even Need Replacing

A lot of homeowners ask us, “Should I just replace the gutters while I’m doing the roof?” And the answer is always the same: Let’s inspect them first. 

Here’s what shows that gutters need replacements too.

Visible Warning Signs

Here’s what you (and your roofer) can spot with a walk-around:

1. Cracks, Holes, or Rust: These are the clearest signs your gutters are compromised. Even small cracks can grow under pressure from Florida’s rain and sun.
2. Sagging or Pulling Away from the Fascia: This usually means the hangers are failing, or worse, the wood behind them is rotting. Either way, it’s a signal that water isn’t draining properly.
3. Water Stains on Siding or Pooling Around the Foundation: If you’re seeing streaks on your exterior walls or puddles near your home’s base after a storm, that’s a sign your gutters aren’t directing water where it needs to go.
4. Overflow During Rain: Gutters that spill over during storms often have poor slope or hidden blockages. Either way, overflow puts your fascia and foundation at risk.

Hidden Red Flags

Sometimes, the worst damage isn’t visible until we get up there:

1. Wood Rot Behind Gutters: Gutters that don’t seal properly allow water to seep into the fascia board. Over time, that leads to rot, and even the best new roof won’t save you if the structure beneath is compromised.
2. Mold or Mildew in the Attic or Behind Fascia:
   Improper drainage creates moisture buildup in your roof system. If your attic or upper walls have mildew, your gutters might be the hidden culprit.
3. Basement Leaks from Poor Water Routing:
   Believe it or not, failing gutters up top can cause serious damage down below. We’ve seen homes with dry rot and basement flooding, all traced back to gutters that didn’t do their job.

The bottom line? If your gutters show any of these signs, replacing them during your roof project just makes sense. You’ll save money on setup, eliminate labor overlap, and avoid future headaches. 

Helpful Resource → Are Gutters Necessary in Florida? | Building Code & FAQs

Is It Smart to Replace Gutters While You Replace the Roof?

If your gutters are doing their job and your fascia looks clean, it might feel wasteful to replace something that “still works.” 

But sometimes, the smartest move is to bundle the gutter replacement with your new roof, not because it’s mandatory, but because it makes the most long-term sense.

Let’s talk about when that’s actually a good idea, and why.

Situations Where It Makes Sense

There are certain scenarios where replacing gutters during your roof job is the best decision for your home.

1. Your Gutters Are Already Failing: If they’re leaking, sagging, rusting, or pulling away from the fascia, they’re past their prime. A new roof deserves a drainage system that won’t ruin it.
2. You’re Upgrading Roof Materials: Swapping shingles for metal or tile? Those materials shed water faster and require more robust gutter systems to handle the flow. Old, undersized gutters just won’t cut it.
3. Fascia Boards or Drip Edge Are Being Replaced: If your project includes new fascia or drip edge, it makes sense to install fresh gutters right afterward, when everything is exposed and easy to access.

Financial & Functional Benefits of Bundling

Beyond structural logic, there are real-world cost and convenience advantages to combining the projects:

1. Save on Labor Setup Costs: Scaffolding, ladders, and prep take time, and money. Doing both jobs together eliminates repeat setup charges and shortens the project timeline.
2. Avoid Warranty Confusion: Coordinating two different contractors often leads to disputes if something fails. One blames the other, and you’re left in the middle. When both systems are installed by one crew, that accountability stays clear.
3. Ensure Proper Alignment: A new roof often includes updated drip edges, underlayment, or decking. Doing gutters at the same time guarantees a seamless connection between the roof edge and drainage system.
4. Install Upgrades More Easily: Thinking about gutter guards or larger downspouts? Those extras are easier (and cheaper) to include during a full replacement than during a patch job later.

Doing Roofs & Gutters Together: How To Handle Them In The Right Order

If you’re planning to replace your roof and your gutters, you’ve already got a lot on your plate. 

Between managing timelines, budgets, materials, and contractors, it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks, sometimes literally. One of the most overlooked decisions? Who’s handling the gutters, and when? 

Let’s answer two of the most important questions we get from homeowners:

Should Your Roofer Handle the Gutters Too?

Yes, if you want the job done efficiently and with less stress. Here’s why:

One contractor means fewer headaches.

You only deal with one timeline, one crew, one contract, and one warranty. That eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of one party blaming the other if something goes wrong later.

You get a more unified install.

Roofers with in-house gutter teams (like we have at Florida Roofing and Gutters) understand how the roof and drainage system work together, because we design and install both as one system, not two disconnected parts.

You avoid scope gaps and miscommunication.

Some roofers subcontract gutter work and pass the cost, and the risk, onto you. That might save a few bucks upfront, but it often leads to mismatches, missed details, or warranty limitations.

If you’re planning to do both at once then ensure that you book services that can handle both efficiently. Once that’s sorted the next this is what should be done first?

What’s the Right Order: Roof or Gutters First?

Always roof first, then gutters. No exceptions.

Here’s why:

1. Drip edge must go on before gutters: This metal flashing sits under the shingles and guides water into your gutters. If the gutters go on first, the drip edge can’t be installed properly, or worse, it ends up behind the gutters, defeating its purpose.
2. Fascia needs to be clear: Gutter brackets attach to the fascia board. If repairs or wrap installation are needed (which is common during a reroof), the gutters must be off to do it right.
3. Gutter hangers shouldn’t interfere with shingle installation: Roofers need a clean edge to apply underlayment and shingles. If gutters are already in place, they may damage or misalign them during install.

When one company handles both your roof and gutters, and follows the correct order, you get cleaner installs, tighter warranties, and peace of mind. 

Make the Call That Works for Your Home and Budget

There’s no universal answer to the question, “Do I need to replace my gutters when I install a new roof?” 

Sometimes it’s a smart move, sometimes it’s not necessary, and that’s exactly why every home deserves a thoughtful, case-by-case evaluation.

We’ve been doing this work for over three decades, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: the best results always come from honest assessments, clear communication, and smart coordination. 

That’s why we offer a 12-point roofing inspection that includes your fascia, drip edge, and gutter system, so you’re not guessing or being sold something you don’t need.

Whether your gutters are ready for retirement or have plenty of life left, we’ll help you make the decision that protects your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind. 

One team. One project. No surprises.

Schedule your free roof and gutter evaluation with Florida Roofing and Gutters today, because getting it done right the first time is always the best investment.