Do Metal Roofs Need Gutters?

Published on Friday June 12, 2020

Many homeowners are familiar with traditional asphalt shingle roofing and generally know how gutters function within that system. However, metal roofing is growing in popularity across the US, which leaves homeowners with a lot of questions about this new type of roofing system, especially when it comes to gutters. Do metal roofs even need gutters?

We’ll answer all of your metal roof and gutter related questions here.

Do You Need Gutters with a Metal Roof?

Your metal roof will probably survive without a properly installed gutter system. Unlike asphalt shingles, which can crack and allow moisture to penetrate into your roofing system, metal roofs are designed to be water resistant. However, that doesn’t mean a metal roof without gutters can protect the rest of your home from rain, sleet or snow.

Your home’s foundation, siding, flower beds and walkways are all at risk of water damage without gutter protection.

Without a gutter system, water that collects on your roof can drip down the siding of your home and potentially leak behind siding panels, leading to structural issues down the line—an expensive problem to fix. Additionally, a lack of gutters causes roof runoff to saturate any landscaping around your home.

Not only can this kill your plants, but without proper ground drainage, that water can seep into the foundation of your home and lead to flooding and water damage over time.

A well maintained, properly installed gutter system works as a channel to funnel water away from your home to an area safe for drainage, protecting your home’s siding, landscaping and foundation.

Problems with Gutters on Metal Roofs

If gutters are so important to protecting the integrity of your home’s siding and foundation, why do some metal roofs not have gutters at all? There are four main problems with gutters on metal roofs:

Difficulty of installation
Maintenance and cleaning
Weather can rip them off
Water build up

Let’s explore each of these problems with gutters on metal roofs in detail.

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.

Another problem with gutters on metal roofs is a poorly-maintained gutter system can become clogged and lead to water build up, resulting in a lot of the same damages that the gutters were originally designed to prevent.

Some homeowners prefer not to install a gutter system due to their fear of a poorly-installed system. When looking to get gutters installed on a metal roof, it’s very important to work with an experienced, professional team you can trust.

When Metal Roofs Need Gutters

Although metal roofs are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, and therefore can survive without a gutter system, gutters are designed to protect more than just your roof. Without them, other areas of your home are at risk of 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.

Any responsible homeowner should seek to have their home properly fitted with an appropriate gutter system and by a trustworthy roofing professional. Going gutterless might work for a little while, but after years of rain, snow and sleet drainage, you’re putting your home’s foundation at serious risk.

Types of Gutters for Metal Roofs

There are a few options available when it comes to gutters from metal roofing. Seamless gutters are a popular option with metal roofing. Regardless of the type of metal roof you have, keep in mind that gutters should be mounted as high as they possibly can be on metal roofs. They should also be sloped to help with drainage.

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

Ready to Install Gutters for Your Metal Roof?

Trust Long Roofing for your metal roofing and gutter system needs. 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.

Plus, 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.