So, you’ve finally decided it’s time to invest in a new roof. This is an exciting time. Your new roof will add a great number of benefits to your home including increased resale value, proper protection, better insulation, and an overall updated exterior appearance. This means a roof replacement is a great investment for your home.
However, with a roof replacement being such a large investment, it’s important to consider what steps will help make your roof last. Proper steps should be taken to increase its longevity, which can include maintenance, routine inspections, and even more easily overlooked care like additional attic insulation or gutter repairs. In fact, your roof replacement may have been caused by deficiencies in your gutter system to properly remove water.
Gutters are often the forgotten aspect of a roof. Many homes forgo the use of gutters, and this can be a big mistake. But with your upcoming roof repairs, it’s important to take a good look at your gutters and decide if they should be replaced along with your pristine new shingles.
The Big “How”
The biggest question to answer when deciding if you need new gutters is how do gutters affect the life of your roof? Your gutters are the main source of drainage for your roof. On a side note, they also play an important role in the protection of your home.
Rather than simply allowing water to flow freely from your roof, gutters are necessary because they divert water away from your home, keeping it from making its way into your interior or affecting your foundation.
Gutters provide many benefits, including
- Protecting and extending the life of your roof
- Protecting your foundation from cracks and settlement
- Protecting your siding
- Keeping water from penetrating your interior
- Preventing flooding around your home during heavy rains
While gutters are beneficial, clogged or damaged gutters can become problematic for your roof. Water buildup spells trouble in the forms of ice dams, water penetration (getting into your home under your shingles), or buildup of moss or algae on your roof (which can damage shingles).
Remember that your roof is not just the shingles. The entire structure of your roof lies under the shingles in your attic. Structural beams can become damaged due to rot.
Signs Your Gutters Are Affecting Your Roof
Considering how important gutters are to the lifespan of your roof, you should watch for signs that may indicate your gutters played a role in the need for a roof replacement. If you notice any of these signs, you should speak with a roofing professional about an additional gutter replacement.
If your current gutters were installed at the same time as the roof you are replacing, they are likely at the end of their lifespan as well.
No matter what material they are made from, gutters will eventually wear down and need to be repaired or replaced. Plus, if you are getting a brand-new roof but are utilizing 30-year-old gutters to protect it, you aren’t doing your roof any favors.
Formation of Ice Dams
During the lifespan of your old roof, you may have noticed the formation of ice dams during winter. If this was the case, it’s a good indicator that you’re going to want to replace your gutters along with your roof. Ice dams most commonly form because of clogged or damaged gutters.
The formation of ice dams can be detrimental to your roof, and replacing your roof won’t solve this problem. Only by repairing or replacing your gutters will you see the difference and help extend the life of your roof replacement.
Dented/Broken Gutters
An obstruction in your gutters, which can include large dents or cracks, can cause improper drainage. When water is not flowing freely or properly throughout the gutter system, it can build up and soak your roof or make its way under your shingles.
Pinched Downspouts
Over time, gutters and downspouts can warp or dent. When this happens, downspouts can get pinched and obstruct the proper flow of water. This causes your gutters to back up, creating water damage on your roof.
Moss or Algae Growth
Another indication that your roof is receiving negative effects from backed up gutters is the appearance of moss or algae on the lower portion of the roofline. Moss and algae thrive with moisture. While moss can grow on all areas of a roof with shade and moisture, when it appears in large quantities near your roofline, take special note of your gutters.
A Roofing Professional’s Recommendations
If you already had a professional assess your roof and recommend the roof replacement, did they mention anything about your gutters? If your gutters came up during the conversation, it’s a good idea to consider a replacement.
Professional roofing contractors know what they are looking for and they can tell when your home is at the point of needing a gutter repair or replacement.
Because gutters play an important role in the drainage and safety of your home, not just your roof, you will want to replace faulty gutters regardless of whether or not you are having a roof replacement. See some additional signs that you may be in need of a gutter replacement.
We Can Fix Your Gutters Too
Whether you have already scheduled a roof replacement with our Refined Exteriors team or not, we can help give your home new gutters that will extend the life of your roof replacement. We are GAF Master Certified, which means we can give your home a secure and lasting roof replacement, but we can also make the necessary gutter repairs or provide a full replacement to help extend the life of that roof.
For more information on how we can help provide you with a roof replacement that will last, schedule a free consultation with our team today.
