Should I Replace My Roof and Gutters at the Same Time?

If your roof is showing signs of wear, cracked shingles, leaks, or curling edges, you might already be thinking about a replacement. But what about your gutters? Should they be replaced too?

It’s a common question we hear from homeowners across Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, and surrounding areas, and the answer depends on a few key factors. In many cases, replacing your roof and gutters at the same time can save you time, money, and future headaches especially if both systems are aging or no longer functioning properly.

Why Your Roof and Gutters Work Together

Your roof and gutters are part of the same weather protection system. The roof sheds water; the gutters direct it away from your foundation. If either one fails, the other becomes less effective leading to issues like:

• Water backup under shingles

• Ice damming in winter

• Wood rot on fascia and soffits

• Foundation cracks from poor drainage

• Premature siding or landscaping damage

In short, they rely on each other to do their job right — which is why it's smart to assess them together.

5 Reasons to Replace Gutters During a Roof Replacement

1. Prevent Compatibility Issues: If you install a new roof but keep old gutters, there’s a risk the gutter system won’t align properly with the new roof edge, drip edge, or flashing. This can cause water to overflow or leak behind the gutters especially during Michigan’s heavy rains or snowmelt.

2. Avoid Damaging New Roofing Materials Later: Gutters are mounted to the fascia, which often sits beneath or alongside the roofing system. If you wait to replace gutters later, they may need to be removed carefully (and sometimes forcefully), risking damage to newly installed shingles, flashing, or trim.

3. Improve Curb Appeal in One Project: A new roof can make your whole home look better — but dingy, dented, or sagging gutters can ruin the effect. Matching colors, metals, and lines all at once gives your home a clean, upgraded look.

4. Bundle Labor Costs: When you do both projects together, you save on labor mobilization costs. Our team is already on-site with ladders, scaffolding, and disposal equipment, which reduces overall project time and saves you money.

5. Ensure Proper Water Management: If your old gutters are too small, improperly sloped, or clogged, they could cause your brand-new roof to fail prematurely. We’ll ensure that new gutters are sized and pitched correctly to handle runoff especially important in Detroit, Plymouth, and Grosse Pointe, where heavy storms are common.

When Can You Skip Replacing Gutters?

There are a few situations where you might not need to replace your gutters right away:

• Your gutters are less than 10 years old and made of durable material like seamless aluminum or copper

• They’re properly sloped and not leaking, rusting, or pulling away

• You’re satisfied with their appearance and performance

• They were recently installed and sized correctly for your roof pitch

Still, it’s worth having them inspected during your roofing estimate to avoid surprises.

What If I Have Gutter Guards?

If you’re using gutter guards or leaf protection systems, replacing the roof is a good time to evaluate whether they’re still doing their job. Older guard systems may no longer fit properly after the new roof is installed. We offer updated gutter guard options that work seamlessly with modern roofing systems helping reduce maintenance in tree-heavy neighborhoods like Ann Arbor Hills and Royal Oak.

Our Recommendation

If your gutters are aging or underperforming, replacing them alongside your roof is the most cost-effective and hassle-free option. It’s also your best opportunity to:

• Upgrade to larger 6” gutters or round copper systems for historic homes

• Match your roof and gutter color schemes for a more cohesive exterior

• Improve water drainage and protect landscaping, siding, and foundations

Ready to Get a Roof & Gutter Evaluation?

At Lake Effect Exteriors, we provide detailed roof and gutter assessments for homeowners across Southeast Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Grosse Pointe, Birmingham, and Detroit’s historic neighborhoods. If both systems are nearing the end of their life span, we’ll give you a combined solution that respects your home’s design and budget.

Call us at (313) 518-4258

Visit LakeEffectExteriors.homes to schedule your consultation today.