Should You Replace Gutters at the Same Time as a New Roof

Should you replace gutters when you get a new roof? For many Milton Keynes homes, yes. Doing both together saves on scaffolding, aligns warranties, ensures correct eaves detailing, improves drainage, and boosts kerb appeal. If your gutters are newer, premium, and correctly sized, they may be kept.

Replace now if:
- uPVC is 15–20+ years old, cracked, warped, or leaking
- You see frequent overflow, standing water, or damp on walls/fascias
- Brackets/joints fail or sealant fixes don’t last
- You’re upgrading fascias/soffits or adding eaves trays and ventilation
- You want one disruption, one scaffold, one accountable team

Keep existing if:
- They’re high-quality, relatively new, leak-free, and structurally sound
- Capacity suits roof area/pitch (deep-flow often best for heavy rain)
- They’re compatible with new eaves protection and tile/slate overhang

What to know:
- Building Regulations often apply when replacing over 25% of the roof (Parts A, B for flat roof fire ratings like BROOF(t4), C, F, L). We guide you.
- Materials: uPVC (best value), aluminium (premium/long life), coated steel (robust), cast iron (heritage). Profiles: half-round, Ogee, deep-flow, box.
- Costs/timing: combining roof and gutters typically saves money and time; most semis take 3–7 working days. Expect itemised quotes and water-testing before sign-off.

Our process: free inspection, straight advice, fixed-price options, best-practice installation (eaves trays, over-fascia vents, correct falls and outlets), tidy site, and full waste removal. Local results include cast iron renewals in Newport Pagnell, deep-flow upgrades in Bletchley, and aluminium box gutters on Bedford flat roofs—each solving overflow and improving appearance.

Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk for free, local advice across Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Great Linford, Bedford, Northampton, and nearby areas.

Should You Replace Gutters at the Same Time as a New Roof? A Milton Keynes Homeowner’s Guide

Maxwells Roofing is Milton Keynes’ trusted, owner-led roofing company. Family run, fully insured, and known locally for dependable, tidy workmanship, we have 80+ 5-star reviews on Checkatrade and only 5-star reviews on Google Business. We specialise in roof replacements, repairs, fascias, soffits, and guttering across Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Great Linford, Bradwell, Bedford, Northampton, and nearby towns.

Call now for a free quote: 07311091804

Summary: In many cases, yes – replacing gutters at the same time as a new roof is the smart move. It saves on scaffolding, aligns warranties, guarantees correct eaves detailing, and helps your new roof perform as it should. If your gutters are newer, premium quality, and sized correctly, you may be able to retain them. This guide explains how to decide, what to expect, and how we approach combined roof and gutter projects in Milton Keynes.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: Should you replace gutters with a new roof?

For most Milton Keynes homes, it is recommended to replace gutters when installing a new roof if any of the following apply:

  • Your uPVC gutters are 15-20 years old or show cracking, staining, warping, or UV brittleness.
  • There is recurring overflow, standing water, or damp marks on walls or fascia boards.
  • Brackets are failing, joints are leaking, or previous sealant fixes do not last.
  • You plan to upgrade fascias and soffits or add over-fascia ventilation and eaves protection.
  • You want to avoid paying for scaffold twice and prefer a single, aligned warranty.

You might keep your gutters if they are high quality, relatively new, fully leak-free after testing, correctly sized for your roof pitch and area, and compatible with the new eaves detailing.

Call 07311091804 for free, honest advice on whether your existing gutters can stay.

Why gutters matter when fitting a new roof

Your roof, eaves, and gutters form one weatherproofing system. When we re-roof, we rebuild the entire eaves detail so water is guided cleanly from the tiles into the gutter and away down the drains. Key elements include:

  • Eaves protection – eaves trays and drip edge guide water into the gutter and protect the felt or membrane.
  • Ventilation – over-fascia vents help prevent condensation in the loft and support healthy airflow.
  • Fascias and soffits – a solid, straight substrate so gutter brackets hold correctly and the fall is accurate.
  • Alignment – setting the tile overhang and bird comb so the drip line meets the gutter centre.

If existing gutters are distorted, undersized, or wrongly aligned, they can undermine a brand-new roof. During MK downpours, under-capacity or misaligned gutters can cause:

  • Overflow that soaks walls, render, and pathways.
  • Premature fascia rot, soffit staining, and damp patches.
  • Water tracking back into the roofline and winter freeze issues.

Benefits of doing gutters and roof together

  • One scaffold, less disruption – combining the work typically lowers overall cost and shortens the project timeline.
  • Perfect detailing – we can set drip edge, overhang, bracket spacing, and gutter fall in one continuous process.
  • Aligned warranties – one team stands behind the whole roofline assembly.
  • Stronger storm performance – modern deep-flow systems handle intense rainfall better and reduce call-outs.
  • Kerb appeal – coordinated fascias, soffits, and gutters complement your new roof for a clean, finished look.

Call 07311091804 to discuss the best timing for your roofline upgrade.

When you can keep your existing gutters

We will always give straight, evidence-based advice. We may recommend keeping gutters if they:

  • Are relatively new, robust, and pass a hose or water test with no leaks.
  • Offer suitable capacity for the roof area and pitch – deep-flow is often right for larger or steeper roofs.
  • Show no brittleness (uPVC), corrosion (steel), pitting (aluminium), or hairline cracking (cast iron).
  • Are compatible with new eaves protection, bird comb, and your chosen tile or slate profile.
  • Have a realistic remaining life to match the new roof investment.

Tip: If you keep existing gutters, budget for fresh seals and brackets where needed, a deep clean, and careful realignment to set the correct fall.

UK Building Regulations and best practice

Replacing gutters like-for-like does not usually require Building Control. However, a re-roof often does when more than 25 percent of the roof covering is replaced.

Relevant considerations include:

  • Part A – Structure – heavier coverings may require structural checks.
  • Part B – Fire – flat roofs must meet appropriate fire performance classification such as BROOF(t4).
  • Part C – Moisture – correct drainage, eaves protection, and sound gutters help protect against rain ingress.
  • Part F – Ventilation – ensure adequate loft ventilation, often via over-fascia vents in re-roofs.
  • Part L – Energy – replacing more than 25 percent of the roof typically triggers insulation upgrades to current standards.

For complex roof shapes or larger properties, rainwater drainage design may require calculation to recognised standards so gutters, outlets, and downpipes are correctly sized. We source quality materials and follow manufacturer guidance to protect warranties and ensure durability.

Gutter materials and profiles

Selecting the right system balances performance, looks, and budget. Our most common recommendations around Milton Keynes are:

uPVC

  • Pros – cost-effective, low maintenance, widely available in multiple colours.
  • Cons – can discolour or warp over time if poor quality or badly installed.
  • Best for – most modern homes and budget-conscious projects.

Aluminium (pressed or seamless)

  • Pros – light, rigid, long lasting, minimal thermal movement, premium look.
  • Cons – higher upfront cost and requires skilled installation.
  • Best for – contemporary homes, high-spec finishes, and long-term value.

Coated Steel

  • Pros – strong, smart finishes, robust feel.
  • Cons – coating damage can lead to corrosion if not maintained.
  • Best for – homeowners wanting a tough, attractive alternative to uPVC.

Cast Iron

  • Pros – authentic period look, exceptional lifespan with maintenance.
  • Cons – heavy, pricier, needs painting and periodic care.
  • Best for – Victorian and character properties in places like Newport Pagnell and Stony Stratford.

Profiles

  • Half-round – classic style for moderate rainfall.
  • Ogee – decorative lines with higher capacity than half-round.
  • Deep-flow – increased capacity for larger or steeper roofs and intense rain.
  • Box – crisp, modern lines, common on flat-roofed extensions.

Downpipes and accessories

  • Round or square downpipes – choose to suit your facade. Ensure diameter matches gutter capacity.
  • Leaf guards – worthwhile near trees in Great Linford, Bradwell, and similar areas.
  • Expansion joints – vital for long uPVC runs to manage thermal movement.
  • Colour matching – align with fascias, soffits, and window frames for a cohesive look.

Costs, timing, and avoiding surprises

What drives cost

  • Access and scaffold – combining roof and gutters usually reduces total scaffold cost.
  • Material choice – uPVC is most affordable. Aluminium, steel, and cast iron cost more but can last longer.
  • Capacity and layout – deep-flow profiles, extra outlets, and additional downpipes cost a little more but pay off in storms.
  • Complexity – dormers, valleys, long runs, and multiple corners increase components and labour.

Typical project sequence

  1. Erect scaffold and protect driveways, glazing, and planting.
  2. Strip the old roof covering and inspect the roofline.
  3. Install new fascias, soffits, over-fascia ventilation, and eaves trays.
  4. Fit new gutters and downpipes with correct bracket spacing and fall.
  5. Install the new roof covering, ridge, and flashing details.
  6. Water-test the gutter system, tidy, and remove waste.

Timeframes

  • Most semi-detached MK homes – 3-7 working days for full re-roof with roofline renewal, weather and roof size dependent.
  • Allow contingency for wind or heavy rain – safety and quality come first.

How to keep it smooth

  • Ask for an itemised quote so you can see roof, fascias, soffits, and gutters clearly.
  • Confirm colours, profiles, outlets, and downpipe positions in advance.
  • Make sure waste removal and final clean-down are included.
  • Agree warranties for both roofing and guttering in writing.

Call 07311091804 for a clear, fixed-price quote.

How Maxwells manages roof + gutter projects

Free inspection and straight advice

  • We assess tiles or slates, structure, ventilation, insulation, fascias, soffits, and gutter performance.
  • If your gutters are sound and worth keeping, we will say so.

Clear proposal

  • Itemised costs so you can compare uPVC vs aluminium, half-round vs deep-flow, and optional extras.
  • Practical recommendations to match your home and budget.

Best-practice installation

  • Eaves trays and over-fascia vents where needed.
  • Correct bracket spacing, falls, and outlet placement for steady flow.
  • Proper jointing and compatible sealants per manufacturer guidance.

Quality control

  • Gutters water-tested and checked for level and alignment.
  • Final roof inspection including flashings, verges, and ridges.

Respect for your home

  • Tidy site, careful access, and daily clean-down.
  • All waste responsibly removed.

Owner Luke Maxwell oversees projects, ensuring the workmanship lives up to our local reputation for reliable, long-lasting results.

Recent local case notes

Newport Pagnell – Victorian terrace

  • Issue – charming but leaking cast iron with rot on sections of timber fascia.
  • Solution – replaced with new cast iron Ogee to maintain character, repaired fascia, installed eaves trays and over-fascia vents, and renewed slate.
  • Outcome – authentic look preserved with modern performance and no overflows in heavy rain.

Bletchley – 1930s semi

  • Issue – planned concrete tile re-roof, existing uPVC half-round frequently overflowed in storms.
  • Solution – upgraded to deep-flow uPVC with larger outlets and an extra downpipe, plus bird comb, eaves trays, and ventilation.
  • Outcome – clean walls, reduced loft humidity, stronger storm resilience.

Bedford – bungalow with flat roof extension

  • Issue – ponding near eaves and frequent leaf blockages.
  • Solution – high-performance flat roof with BROOF(t4) classification, widened outlet, aluminium box gutters, and leaf guards.
  • Outcome – improved drainage, reduced maintenance, and compliant performance.

Decision guide: Replace now or later?

Replace gutters now if

  • You are replacing more than 25 percent of the roof covering.
  • Existing gutters are 15-20 years old (uPVC) or have chronic leaks, sag, or warping.
  • There are signs of overflow, damp, or fascia damage.
  • You want one scaffold, one schedule, and a single point of accountability.

Consider keeping existing gutters if

  • They are relatively new, premium grade, and pass a water test without leaks.
  • Capacity is suitable for your roof area and pitch – often deep-flow on larger or steeper roofs.
  • They align with new eaves details and have manufacturer support or a valid warranty.

Unsure which way to go? We will inspect and show you the evidence so you can make a confident decision.

Call 07311091804 to book your free inspection.

FAQs

Do I have to replace gutters when I get a new roof?
Not always. If gutters are sound, correctly sized, and compatible with the new eaves details, we can keep them. However, doing both together is often cost-effective and more reliable.

Will Building Control need to inspect my gutter replacement?
Like-for-like gutter swaps usually do not need Building Control. Re-roofing that covers more than 25 percent, structural changes, or adding roof windows typically requires notification. We will advise on what applies to your project.

Which gutter type is best for heavy rain in Milton Keynes?
Deep-flow profiles handle intense rainfall well, especially on larger or steeper roofs. Correct outlet sizing and downpipe positions are just as important as the profile.

Can I mix old downpipes with new gutters?
Possible, but the diameters and fittings must be compatible. Mismatched parts can cause leaks or bottlenecks. We will test and confirm before sign-off.

How do I maintain new gutters?
Plan for an annual clean and inspection – twice yearly if you have nearby trees. Check joints, brackets, and downpipes. Leaf guards can reduce cleaning frequency.

Get your free quote

If you are planning a roof replacement in Milton Keynes and are unsure whether to replace the gutters at the same time, we can help you decide with clear, practical advice.

  • Phone – 07311091804
  • Email – sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk
  • Areas – Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Great Linford, Bradwell, Bedford, Northampton, Luton, and all nearby villages

For related services you may also find useful, explore our pages on Gutter Maintenance, Fascias and Soffits, Roof Replacements, Roof Inspections, and Flat Roof Systems. If you would prefer to speak to a person, call 07311091804 and we will be happy to help.