If you’re in the market for a roof replacement, you’ll need to decide if you want to have new gutters installed as well. Is it really so bad to have a new roof with old gutters? Before we answer, let’s first talk about the purpose of gutters on your home.

Gutters are primarily responsible for guiding water off the roof and away from the house. Water collecting in crevices on the roof or puddling at the foundation is extremely damaging to the structural integrity of a home. Directing water away from the roof and foundation helps avoid foundation settlement, basement flooding, and mold, mildew and corrosion on and around the roofline and base of the house.

Gutters come in several different materials (including vinyl, aluminum, galvanized steel and copper) and shapes and styles (including half-round, k-style and seamless). Many gutter systems also include leaf guards that come in several styles to prevent leaves and other debris from collecting and preventing essential water flow. Gutters run along the roofline to downspouts that run vertically down the house. At the foundation, you’ll find downspout elbows, either rigid or flexible, to further direct water away from the house.

As you can see, gutters are an essential element to any structure, especially in climates like ours that put roofing systems to the test all year long. So does a new roof need new gutters? It is possible to install a new roof around existing gutters, but not recommended. The best roofing systems work together to manage water, and a patched-together system is more vulnerable to breaches and structural instability. A new roof may not be compatible with the existing gutter system increasing the chance of backups or leaks.

In addition, working around gutters when installing a new roof increases the risk of damage, especially if the gutter system is older. New gutters paired with a new roof also adds curb appeal to your home and peace of mind that both systems will work hard together to ensure a clean and dry home for years to come.

Interested in learning more about advances in gutter systems and all the benefits to your home? Contact the experts at Hampton Roofing.