The longer answer
Clear signs you need replacement (not repair):
- Rust through. If you have steel gutters and see rust, the metal is compromised. Aluminum doesn't rust — if yours show rust, you have steel and they're at end-of-life.
- Sagging or pulled away from the house. Hanger failure plus often fascia rot behind. Repair is rarely worth it; replace both.
- Multiple corner leaks. Mitered joints fail over 5-10 years from KC freeze-thaw. If you've had multiple leaks, time for a new continuous run.
- Visible holes or perforations. Once metal has holes, no patch lasts.
- Severe oil canning (wavy distortion).
- Paint peeling everywhere. If the coating is gone, the gutter is on borrowed time.
- Age >25 years on steel, >35 on aluminum. Material lifespan reached.
Signs you might just need repair (not replacement):
- One section sagging due to a single failed hanger
- A single corner leak
- A bent or dented section from a recent storm
- Clogged downspout
- Wrong pitch (water standing in gutter)
If you're not sure, our free in-person walk takes 30-45 minutes and we'll tell you honestly whether you need full replacement or just spot repair.