Since roofing and gutters often go hand in hand, we’re frequently asked to replace gutters when we replace a roof. However, we’re also frequently called just for gutter repairs. Gutters play a large role in your roof’s health and in your home’s foundational function.

Water can penetrate almost anywhere if it’s not mitigated appropriately, and there are several different styles of gutters. There are also several different types of fastening systems for hanging gutters, as well as different sizes, different accessories, and different options for helping to keep them free of debris.

The health and condition of your gutters can impact the way your roof, foundation, basement, and even your windows function when it comes to protecting your home from water infiltration.  

Gutters help to manage water runoff from your roof and to direct its flow to appropriate drainage, runoff, and collection areas. They help to divert water from running over and creating ponding or freezing water on sidewalks, porches, in front of door openings, and from running over windows.

Gutters work hand in hand with the edge of the roof, attached from the fascia either by brackets, spikes, or straps. When you have your roof replaced, the drip edge on the eave of the roof is the first component of your roof that gets replaced. It can be difficult when we run into old systems that need total gutter replacement or that have become damaged.

In some cases, addressing the replacement of gutters after you have a new roof installed can actually cause damage to your new roof. And, installing new gutters before you have a new roof installed can also cause additional issues for many reasons. 

Sometimes you might find that your roof has developed issues in certain areas because you don’t have gutters where you should have them. You might be missing diverters, downspouts. Or, your gutters might not be big enough to manage the runoff for a particular section of roof. You could even have gutters that are full of debris and need to have gutter screen protection added. 

Most good roofing companies also offer gutter replacement and or repair services. In most cases, when gutters aren’t functioning properly, it’s time for an evaluation and potentially a replacement. Because most gutters are seamless and corners are welded-mitered together, when a leak occurs it’s typically because the gutter has been compromised enough that a repair will only be temporary.

Most roofing companies offer deals on dual installs when you ask to have gutters included with your roofing package. For instance, in most cases Thompson Home Improvement offers gutter installs at cost when they are accompanied with a full roof replacement that we also install.

It’s best to just request a gutter evaluation and quote at the same time you request a quote for your roof. We’re happy to provide a separate price for this additional work so you can best navigate your budget and priorities. But, when you are spending $10,000 or more to replace your roof, spending an additional $1000–$2000 for gutter replacement at the same time is a minimal fee to ensure you have a fully functioning complete system with your roof and gutters.

If you replaced your roof previously and didn’t replace the gutters at that time, you may find yourself in a position where you need to address the gutters post roof install. This is completely manageable. Most roofing companies still offer gutter services independent of their roofing services and are happy to come and quote new gutter installation for clients in need.

Of course, we recommend all of the same best practices: research before you call potential installers and make sure to get more than one quote so you can compare what each company offers. 

It’s important to understand how a company will fasten the gutters, what size they are, what types of screen and protection products are offered, workmanship warranties, and any upgrades they might recommend from your current gutter system to improve overall function.

For example: when we install 5” gutter systems, we still install oversize downspouts (3×4) vs. standard (2×3) to help ensure the best drainage. What this means is that we also install appropriate adapters for drainage tube systems, as well. If there are areas of roof line that require larger sections of gutters to accommodate overflow, we will recommend a larger gutter or a special component for these sections. We always encourage hiring an installer that will answer all of your questions and offer fine tuning to ensure premium function.

If you have questions about your home’s gutters, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Thompson Home Improvement. With years of experience in the industry and hundreds of happy customers, we are the area’s go-to source for roof repair, gutter repair, and installation services.

So, if you have any questions, reach out to our team today to discuss your needs!