Your metal roof is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing options available, but even the strongest roof needs support. One of the most critical, and often underestimated, allies of a metal roofing system is the gutter system installed alongside it. Properly installed gutters for metal roofs do more than "catch rain." They protect entrances and walkways, preserve landscaping, and help prevent costly water damage.
Check out our Commercial Metal Roofing solutions to see how draingage planning fits into your whole system.
Let’s look at how gutters work hand-in-hand with metal roofing to safeguard your building’s envelope, occupants, and site.
Metal roofs are designed to shed water quickly and efficiently. Their smooth surfaces and steep pitches often mean rainwater runs off at a much faster rate than it would on an asphalt or tile roof. While this is a great advantage in terms of keeping the roof dry and reducing mold or moss growth, it also creates the potential for water to pour down in sheets near your foundation, causing erosion, basement leaks, or siding damage.
That’s where gutters come in.
A high-quality gutter installation ensures that water runoff is properly channeled into downspouts and away from your buildings vulnerable areas. Without them, your metal roof’s efficient shedding can ironically increase the risk of property damage or even injury.
Uncontrolled runoff can pond near foundations and slab‑on‑grade, leading to leaks, heaving, and interior moisture. Well‑placed downspouts, extensions, or tie‑ins route water several feet from the building to protect your structure and finishes.
Water rushing off a roof without gutters can carve deep trenches in flower beds, damage shrubbery, and displace mulch or gravel. Gutters help preserve the beauty and health of your landscaping by managing the flow of water and keeping it where it belongs.
Metal roofs often shed water quickly in heavy rain. Without a reliable gutter system, this water can run down your siding, causing stains, rot, and peeling paint. Gutters protect the siding and fascia by catching and redirecting the water away from your building.
Snow and ice can release suddenly from metal roofs. A properly pitched gutter system - paired with snow guards - helps mitigate ice‑fall at entrances and protects gutters from impact loads.
Not all gutters are created equal - especially on commercial roof edges where water volume is higher.
Seamless Gutters: Custom‑formed on site with long, clean runs and minimal joints for fewer leak points. Ideal for the velocity of water coming off standing seam panels. See options on our Gutters & Leaf Guards page.
Durable Materials: Aluminum, steel, and copper offer strength and corrosion resistance, and they color‑match well to metal roofing.
Oversized Channels & Downspouts: Commercial edges often benefit from larger profiles. As a rule of thumb:
Our team will size outlets and downspouts (often 3"×4" on commercial) to match your roof area and rainfall intensity.
Professional Installation: Correct slope, secure fastening to fascia or sub‑fascia, properly located outlets, and expansion/spacing for long runs are essential. We also coordinate with canopy terminations, scuppers, and leader heads when needed.
Need specs or a quick takeoff? Reach our commercial team via Commercial Metal Roofing or Contact.
If you already have a metal roof but haven’t updated your gutter system, it may be time to take a closer look. Here are some signs that your current system isn’t keeping up:
Any of these symptoms can indicate that your gutters are no longer effectively protecting your home, and when paired with a high-performing metal roof, a failing gutter system can quickly lead to damage.
See how an upgrade performs in the field - browse our project gallery.
When you invest in a metal roof, it's only logical to protect that investment with a high-quality gutter system. At Walnut Creek Metals, we specialize in custom-fit gutters for metal roofs, ensuring your entire roofing system works as a cohesive, protective barrier for your business.
Our experienced team handles every aspect of gutter installation, from measuring and material selection to secure mounting and system testing. We understand the specific needs of metal roofing systems and ensure every detail is handled with precision.
Gutters play an essential role in water management - especially on high‑performing commercial metal roofs. Choosing the right profiles, materials, and downspout sizes keeps customers safer, protects façades, and reduces maintenance across the site.
If you’re scoping a new build or modernizing an existing roof edge, Walnut Creek Metals can design a complete system that delivers strength, clean lines, and performance - rain or shine.