Planning a roof replacement is a big step—and it often raises a practical question that homeowners in Hemet ask all the time: Do my gutters need to be repaired or replaced when you do the roof? The short, useful answer is: not always, but it’s smart to evaluate them during the roofing process because your roof and gutters work together as one water-management system.
At All Seasons Roofing, we look at the whole exterior drainage picture, not just the shingles or tiles. Hemet Roofing experts recommend treating a roof replacement as the ideal time to inspect gutters, downspouts, fascia, and drainage—because access is easier and small upgrades can prevent expensive water damage later.
Why gutters matter during a roof replacement
Your roof’s job is to shed water. Your gutters’ job is to capture that water and move it away from the home. If the gutters are failing, water can back up under the roof edge, rot fascia boards, stain stucco, erode landscaping, and even contribute to foundation issues over time.Hemet Roofing experts recommend thinking of gutters as “roof adjacent,” because many common leak and rot problems start at the roof edge:
- Drip edge and gutter alignment problems can send water behind the gutter
- Overflowing gutters can saturate fascia and roof decking at the eaves
- Loose gutters can pull on the edge of the roofline during wind events
- Improper slope can keep water sitting in gutters, leading to rust and premature failure
When we replace a roof, we’re already working along the perimeter edges—so it’s the perfect moment to confirm everything at the eaves is working the way it should.
When you typically do NOT need to replace gutters
Sometimes gutters are in good shape and only need minor adjustments (or nothing at all). Hemet Roofing experts recommend keeping gutters if:
- They’re relatively new and free of rust, cracks, or separations
- They’re firmly attached with solid fascia behind them
- They’re properly sized and handle heavy rainfall without frequent overflow
- Seams are intact and downspouts drain efficiently
- The system has the correct pitch/slope toward downspouts
In these cases, roof replacement can proceed with care to protect the existing gutters, and any small tune-ups can be handled afterward.
Signs your gutters should be repaired during a roof job
Many gutter issues can be fixed without full replacement. Hemet Roofing experts recommend repair when the system is mostly sound but has localized problems such as:
- Loose hangers or spikes causing sagging sections
- Minor leaks at seams or end caps (common in older sectional gutters)
- Clogs or slow drainage due to debris or poorly placed downspouts
- Small dents or minor deformation that doesn’t affect flow
- Gutter slope issues causing water to pool
A roof replacement often includes work at the drip edge and fascia line. That’s why Hemet Roofing experts recommend addressing these repair items while access is straightforward—especially if scaffolding or perimeter work is already happening.
Signs your gutters should be replaced when replacing the roof
There are times when replacing gutters during a roof project is the most cost-effective path. Hemet Roofing experts recommend replacement if you see:
- Widespread rust or corrosion (steel gutters often show this)
- Cracks, splits, or recurring leaks in multiple locations
- Frequent overflow even when gutters are clean (could indicate undersizing or poor design)
- Severe sagging or “wavy” runs that can’t be corrected with rehanging
- Detached sections or fasteners pulling out because fascia is deteriorated
- Staining and rot along fascia boards behind the gutter line
- Multiple patched areas that keep failing season after season
In Hemet, where dry months can hide problems, the first heavy rain often reveals whether gutters are truly functioning. Hemet Roofing experts recommend making decisions based on physical condition—not just appearance from the ground.
How roofing work can impact gutters (and why coordination matters)
A professional roofing crew can typically work with existing gutters, but coordination is key. Hemet Roofing experts recommend clarifying your plan because roofing projects may involve:
- Tear-off debris: Old shingles and nails can damage gutters if the site isn’t protected
- Drip edge installation: Correct drip edge integration helps direct water into gutters rather than behind them
- Fascia repairs: If fascia is rotten, gutters may need removal and reinstallation
- Roof pitch runoff changes: Some roof designs shed water faster; gutter sizing and downspout capacity matter
At All Seasons Roofing, we focus on proper edge detailing so water flows where it’s supposed to go—off the roof, into the gutter, and away from the structure.
Fascia and drip edge: the hidden “decision makers”
Homeowners often assume gutter condition alone decides repair vs replacement, but Hemet Roofing experts recommend evaluating two related components:1) Fascia boards
Gutters attach to fascia. If fascia is soft, rotted, or warped, new gutters won’t stay secure. During roof replacement, exposed edges may reveal damage that wasn’t visible before.2) Drip edge and edge metal
Drip edge directs water off the roof edge. If it’s missing, improperly installed, or incompatible with the existing gutter setup, water can wick behind the gutter and rot wood over time.Because roofing work naturally involves these areas, Hemet Roofing experts recommend using the roof replacement as a chance to correct edge details for long-term protection.
Should you replace gutters at the same time as the roof? Pros and cons
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a practical way to think about it.Pros of doing gutters with the roof
- One coordinated project and timeline
- Better integration with drip edge and fascia work
- Fewer future labor costs for removal/reinstall
- A clean, consistent look around the whole home
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- If gutters are in good condition, replacement may be unnecessary
Hemet Roofing experts recommend replacing gutters during a roof job when the gutters are near end-of-life, the fascia needs repair, or you’ve had persistent overflow/leak issues.
What to ask your roofer before the job starts
To avoid surprises, Hemet Roofing experts recommend asking these questions during your estimate:
- Will you remove and reinstall existing gutters, or work around them?
- Will you inspect fascia and report any rot before reinstalling gutters?
- Are you installing new drip edge, and will it be properly integrated with my gutters?
- If gutters are damaged during tear-off, how is that handled?
- Do you recommend upsizing gutters or adding downspouts for better drainage?
Clear answers help you understand scope, responsibility, and best outcomes for your home.
A Hemet-specific note: sizing and drainage matter
Hemet storms can dump a lot of water quickly. Even if gutters “usually” work, heavy rainfall can expose undersized systems or poor downspout placement. Hemet Roofing experts recommend checking:
- Are gutters sized appropriately (often 5-inch vs 6-inch systems)?
- Are there enough downspouts for the roof area?
- Does water discharge far enough from the foundation?
Sometimes the best “roof-and-gutter” upgrade is simply better drainage design—not just swapping materials.
Bottom line: do your gutters need repair or replacement with a new roof?
Not always—but it’s one of the smartest things to evaluate while the roof is being replaced. Hemet Roofing experts recommend repairing gutters when issues are minor and isolated, and replacing them when damage is widespread, the fascia is compromised, or drainage performance is consistently poor.At All Seasons Roofing, we help Hemet homeowners make a practical call based on condition, function, and long-term value—so your new roof isn’t undermined by a failing gutter system.If you want, share your roof type (shingle, tile, or flat), gutter material, and whether you’ve noticed overflow or staining—then we can outline what Hemet Roofing experts recommend for your situation.