Chicken or Egg: Roof or Gutters?

Question

A tree fell on the property that I’m rehabbing and did some damage to my roof. I’m certain that I’m going to have to repair some siding and get a new roof, replace gutters, soffit fascia.

My question is, do I do the siding/gutters first and then the roofing, or get the roofing started to try to protect the interior ant attic?

Thanks!

Evan Polaski · Answer

@Conrad Martin general construction process is top down and in to out. So roof, fascia and soffets, gutters then siding. Obviously, everything can be done in the order the contractors are available. I have done roofs where the gutters didn't need replaced. I have had to replace fascia and soffets without replacing gutters or roof.

It all comes down to the care your installers will take.

Joe Splitrock · Answer

Siding/ fascia, roof, gutters. Never do gutters before roof because they will need to cut the lip cap which can lead to water intrusion. Of course the fascia is under the gutters as is the siding behind the down spouts.

Billy Smith · Answer

Roofing first go up there throw a tarp on it then nail down the tarp, then call a roofer if the roofer can get there quick have them put up a temp tarp, gutters always last.

Suzy Sevier · Answer

@Conrad Martin If you start with the siding first, there are various points of the process where the siding could become damaged. The contractor has to take caution to avoid damaging them, which is also the case with gutters and downspouts. If you start with the replacing with roof, the siding and gutters will then be in perfect condition upon completion of the project. I understand there are some components of siding that need to be nailed under the roof so you'll have to decide if you want the contractors to be extra cautious with the roof or the siding.

Moises R Cosme · Answer

Conrad,

I would take the siding & gutter off first, do the roof and then get the gutters back on.  You have to do the roof first since the gutters attach.

Conrad Martin · Answer

@Suzanne Sevier My thinking was that the siding will need so much work that the roof would have to be a separate undertaking.

To give some context, the house has rotting wood siding that’s about 40 years old. I want to rip it out and put in new sheathing/house wrap and then add new siding all the way around.

Suzy Sevier · Answer

@Conrad Martin Is there a particular reason why you don't want to do them at the same time?

Conrad Martin · Answer

Thanks for the sage advice @Evan Polaski ! I’ll be sure to keep that in mind! This project is going to be a great undertaking. I think I’ll get a lot of learning in the process but so much value from the community!

Conrad Martin · Answer

Thanks @Moises R Cosme and @Suzanne Sevier ! I’m working on calculating costs and also trying to figure out contractor schedules/bids in the rural NC area.

No easy task, but loading up valuable information!

CM

Chicken or Egg: Roof or Gutters?

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