When homeowners replace their roof, they naturally focus on shingles, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation. But there is another component worth considering at the same time: your eavestrough system.
Your roof and eavestroughs work together to move rainwater away from your home. If you’re already investing in a new roof, it may be worth evaluating whether your existing gutters are still capable of doing their job.
At XPF, we encourage homeowners to look at the entire exterior system rather than treating every component as a separate project.
Why Your Eavestroughs Matter
Eavestroughs collect water from the roof and direct it toward downspouts.
A properly functioning system helps protect:
- Siding
- Fascia
- Landscaping
- Foundation
- Basement
- Walkways
If gutters are damaged or undersized, a new roof won’t solve the underlying drainage issue.
Signs Your Eavestroughs Need Attention
Look for:
- Sagging gutters
- Rust or holes
- Cracked seams
- Loose brackets
- Water overflowing
- Water pooling near the foundation
- Downspouts that aren’t directing water away from the house
If you notice several of these issues, replacement may make more sense than continuing to repair an aging system.
Why Replace Them During a Roof Project?
There can be practical advantages to coordinating the work.
Better Overall Appearance
New roofing and new eavestroughs can create a more finished appearance.
Improved Water Management
A properly designed system helps ensure rainwater from your new roof is directed away from the home.
Fewer Future Disruptions
Completing related exterior work together can reduce the need to revisit the roofline later.
Opportunity to Address Existing Problems
Roof replacement provides an opportunity to evaluate fascia, soffit, flashing, and drainage at the same time.
Does Every Roof Replacement Require New Eavestroughs?
No.
If your existing gutters are in good condition, properly sized, and functioning correctly, replacement may not be necessary.
The important thing is to evaluate them before deciding.
FAQs
Should I replace my gutters every time I replace my roof?
Not necessarily. Their condition, age, performance, and compatibility with the new roofing system should be considered.
How do I know if my eavestroughs are working properly?
They should collect water effectively without overflowing, sagging, or leaking and should direct water safely away from your foundation.
Can new eavestroughs help prevent basement water problems?
Proper drainage can help reduce water accumulation around your foundation, although basement water can have several causes.
Can XPF replace both roofing and eavestroughs?
Yes. XPF can help homeowners coordinate roofing and other exterior improvements as part of a comprehensive project.
Look at the Whole Exterior
A roof replacement is a major investment. It can also be the perfect opportunity to evaluate everything connected to your roofline.
XPF helps homeowners across Ontario with roofing, siding, windows, soffit, fascia, and eavestrough projects. Contact XPF to discuss your roof replacement and determine whether your drainage system should be upgraded at the same time.
