Do Metal Roofs Need Gutters?

Published on Friday August 23, 2024

Many homeowners are familiar with traditional asphalt shingle roofing and generally understand that these types of roofs require gutters for excess rainfall. However, metal roofing is gaining popularity across the US. Do metal roofs need gutters, too?

Let’s look at whether metal roofs need gutters and what to know about them.

Do Metal Roofs Need Gutters?

A metal roof can survive without a properly installed gutter system because it’s designed to be water-resistant. However, without gutters, your home’s foundation, siding, flower beds, and walkways are at risk of water damage. Water collecting on your roof can seep into the siding and lead to structural issues.

A lack of gutters can also saturate your landscaping and cause water to seep into the foundation, leading to flooding and water damage over time.

A well-maintained, properly installed gutter system acts as a channel to redirect water away from your home, protecting your siding, landscaping, and foundation no matter what type of roof you have.

When Metal Roofs Need Gutters

Even though metal roofs are built to endure severe weather and can, therefore, function without a gutter system, gutters safeguard more than just your roof. Without them, other parts of your home are vulnerable to water damage.

If you live in an area that experiences a lot of rain throughout the year or snow in the winter months, it’s recommended that you have gutters installed on your metal roof.

Every homeowner should ensure that their home is equipped with a suitable gutter system installed by a reliable roofing professional. While it may seem fine to go without gutters for a short period, over time, exposure to rain, snow, and sleet can seriously jeopardize the foundation of your home.

Types of Gutters for Metal Roofs

When it comes to metal roofing, there are various gutter options to consider. Seamless gutters, known for their sleek appearance, are a popular choice. When dealing with metal roofs, consider the elevation of the gutters and make sure they’re mounted as high as feasible. Additionally, the installation must include a proper slope to manage drainage effectively.

However, speaking with a roofing professional will help you determine the best solution for your roof.

Potential Problems With Metal Roof Gutters

Not all metal roofs have gutters. There are four potential problems with gutters on metal roofs:

Difficulty of installation: Metal roofs are installed using a different process than traditional asphalt shingles, and if a metal roof and gutter system is installed poorly, bad weather can easily rip the gutters right off and damage your premium metal roof.
Maintenance and cleaning: Another problem with gutters on metal roofs is that a poorly maintained gutter system can become clogged and lead to water build-up, resulting in many of the same damages that the gutters were originally designed to prevent.
Weather can rip them off: Strong winds, especially when combined with rain, can loosen and damage gutters that have not been properly installed.
Water build-up: Without proper installation and maintenance, rain can accumulate in gutters, causing them to warp and even break.

Note that most of these potential problems can be easily avoided by hiring a reliable gutter company to properly install gutters on your metal roof.

Trust Long Roofing For Metal Roofing And Gutter Systems

With a Class 4 distinction in impact resistance and a Class A fire rating, our metal roofing is made to withstand a variety of damaging forces.

Our expert metal roofers are trained to properly install gutter systems so you don’t have to choose between your metal roof and protecting your home from water damage.

Request a quote from Long online to schedule a free, in-home consultation or find answers to any of your roofing questions.