You should replace your gutters when you replace your roof. It is almost always the smartest move for your home. Installing new gutters while the roof edges are exposed saves labor, allows for a perfect fit, and ensures your drainage system can handle the heavy ice and snow cycles we see in Rockford every winter.

Why do the two projects belong together?

Matching your new roof to new gutters keeps water away from your foundation. When we peel back your old shingles, the drip edge is exposed. Putting new, seamless gutters on at that exact moment means we can tuck the flashing behind the gutter hanger correctly. You avoid the headache of trying to wedge new gutters under old shingles later.

You worry that adding more to the bill might be overkill. But replacing gutters separately later costs more in labor because the crew has to come back, set up ladders again, and work around your existing roof edge without damaging your new shingles.

How does West Michigan weather punish old gutters?

Our freeze-thaw cycles in Grand Rapids and Comstock Park turn water into ice dams that pull gutters away from the fascia. If your current gutters are starting to sag or if the joints are pulling apart, they won't hold up under the weight of an extra-heavy lake-effect snow season. New gutters designed for our climate have stronger hangers and more consistent slopes.

It feels like a small maintenance detail until you see the ice buildup behind your siding. Dealing with water infiltration near your roofline is a miserable way to spend a Saturday in January. Replacing them now means you don't have to watch the eaves for leaks every time the temperature climbs above freezing.

What happens if I keep my old gutters?

Keeping old gutters often leaves you with mismatched drainage and potential damage to your new roof shingles. If we leave your old gutters in place, we have to work around them to replace the perimeter of your roof. This increases the risk of scratching the new roof edge or failing to seal the area properly where the gutter meets the fascia.

You want the peace of mind that comes with a system that works as a single unit. There is nothing worse than finishing a major roofing project only to have a leaky, overflowing gutter dump water right onto your new driveway or porch foundation during the first spring thunderstorm.

Do I need to upgrade to larger gutters?

If you see your current gutters overflowing during heavy summer storms, you should consider moving to a higher capacity size. West Michigan storms are dumping rain faster than they used to. A larger gutter width with wider downspouts manages the surge of water coming off a steep roof slope without backing up under your shingles.

It is the difference between a house that sheds water like it's designed to and a house that traps water against the wood. You want a system that moves water away from the house as fast as the clouds can drop it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I reuse my existing downspouts if they look fine? It is rarely a good idea to mix new gutters with old downspouts. Older downspouts are often made of thinner metal and may have hidden internal clogs that will cause your new gutters to overflow immediately.

Do new gutters change the look of my home? Modern seamless gutters offer a cleaner line and come in a wide range of colors to match your trim or siding. They eliminate the ugly seams that act as weak points and catch debris over time.

How long should a good gutter system last? Properly installed aluminum gutters can last decades, but their life depends on keeping them clear of debris. In areas with heavy tree cover, you may want to discuss gutter guards at the same time to prevent the buildup that causes sagging.

When to call a roofer

If you see peeling paint on your fascia boards or water dripping behind the gutter instead of inside it, it is time to take a look. Give Grandville Roofing & Exteriors a call and we can stop by to check the condition of your eaves while we look at your roof. We can show you exactly what we see and help you decide the best path forward.