How do I know if I need new gutters?

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Let us keep this simple. Gutters move water away from your house. When they fail, water gets behind siding, soaks fascia, and seeps toward the basement. In Kansas City we see heavy rain, fast snow melt, and wind that pushes leaves into every corner. Homes across Jackson, Johnson, Clay, and Wyandotte counties need gutters that work every time. Here is a clear guide to help you decide if it is time for new gutters.

Why this matters for Kansas City homes

Storms can dump a lot of water in a short time. In Overland Park and Olathe, big roof lines can overwhelm small gutters. In Lee’s Summit and Liberty, spring rains fill valleys and send water over the edges. In Waldo and Brookside, older fascia and trim can rot if water sneaks behind the metal. In North Kansas City, tight lots mean water must be guided away from foundations. Good gutters protect wood, paint, and concrete. They also help keep basements dry.

Consumer groups like the Better Business Bureau remind homeowners to use licensed, insured contractors with clear written estimates and warranties. That is smart with gutters too.

Simple signs you may need new gutters

Walk your home on a dry day and after a rain. Use these plain checks.

Streaks on siding under the gutter line
Dark lines or peeling paint mean water spills over seams or backs up behind the gutter.
Sagging or gaps at the fascia
If the front edge waves or the back edge pulls away, water will not flow to the downspout.
Seams that drip
Drips at joints tell you sealant has failed. Seamless gutters avoid many of these points.
Overflow in normal rain
Water should not pour over the front except in extreme storms. Regular overflow means undersized runs or too few downspouts.
Rust, holes, or soft wood
Rust and pinholes on metal or soft fascia boards behind the gutter signal end of life.
Washed out mulch or soil
Look for bare dirt below corners. That shows water is dumping straight down.
Basement musty smell after rain
If your lower level smells musty after storms, downspouts may be dumping water too close to the foundation.

If you see more than one of these, it is time to plan new gutters.

Do I need repair or full replacement

Repairs can work when the metal is sound and problems are small. Examples include a loose hanger, a short section out of slope, or a single leaking miter. Replacement makes sense when the runs sag in many spots, seams fail across the house, metal is thin or rusted, or downspouts are undersized for your roof. If your home has five inch gutters and long roof valleys, moving to six inch with larger downspouts often fixes chronic overflow.

What new gutters should include

Seamless aluminum or steel made on site for long, clean runs
Hidden hangers set close together for strength in wind and snow
Proper slope to each outlet so water cannot sit and rot the fascia
Downspouts sized right and placed at corners and mid runs as needed
Extensions that carry water at least six to ten feet away from the foundation
Optional guards matched to your tree type so they do not clog

How to check your gutters by season

Spring
Watch how gutters handle the first real rain. If water spills at valleys in Overland Park or Olathe, you likely need larger gutters or an extra downspout.

Summer
Heavy storms test slope and hangers. Look for leaks at inside and outside corners in Lee’s Summit and Liberty.

Fall
Leaves in Waldo and Brookside pile up fast. If cleaning no longer helps and clogs return every week, consider guards with new gutters.

Winter
Freeze and thaw show weak spots. If you see ice sheets at walkways from downspouts that dump near steps, extend them farther.

What to ask a gutter contractor

Use plain questions. You do not need special terms.

Are you licensed and insured in Missouri or Kansas
Do you perform background checks on your crews
Do you make seamless gutters on site
Do you recommend five inch or six inch for my roof and why
How many downspouts will you add and what size
How will you fasten the gutters to the fascia
What type of guard fits my trees
Will you replace rotten fascia if you find it
What is your written warranty on materials and labor
Can I see recent work in Waldo, Brookside, Overland Park, or Lee’s Summit

What to expect in a written estimate

A good estimate is clear and complete. It should list:

Material, size, and color of the gutters
Linear feet of gutters and number of downspouts
Downspout size, locations, and extension plan
Hanger type and spacing
Slope plan for each run
Gutter guard type and where it will be used
Fascia repair allowance if rot is found
Removal and disposal of old gutters
Cleanup plan
Total price, schedule, and warranty

Ask the contractor to explain each line. A trustworthy pro will welcome your questions.

A quick self check you can do in ten minutes

Look up the full length of each run for waves or dips
Push gently up on the bottom edge
If it moves easily, the hangers are loose
Pour a bucket of water into a low point
Watch where it goes
Check that downspouts are clear and not crushed
Confirm that extensions carry water far from the foundation

Write down what you saw and share it with the pro.

Simple homeowner checklist before install

Pick a color that matches your trim for a clean look
Trim branches that rub the roof or gutters
Decide where you want water to exit and mark safe spots
Move cars and clear the driveway for the gutter machine
Make a path for ladders along fences and tight sides

Signs of a quality job on day one

Straight lines with steady fall toward outlets
Tight fit to the fascia with hidden hangers set close
Neat miters at corners with no drips during a hose test
Downspouts secure and sized to match roof area
Extensions set to carry water away from walks and slabs
Site left clean with old materials removed

Common mistakes to avoid

Using five inch gutters on big roof sections that need six inch
Too few downspouts for long runs
Relying on spikes instead of hidden hangers
Skipping slope correction during install
Picking guards that clog with your specific leaves
Filling out online forms that blast your info and trigger a flood of calls

Many homeowners tell us those forms felt like fake leads Kansas City families want to avoid. Choose a local, verified team instead of a shared list anyone can buy. If you are a contractor wondering how to get clients as a contractor in KC, remember that clean installs and clear scopes beat mass contractor leads in Kansas City every time.

A quick phone script you can use

Hello. I live in Kansas City and I think I need new gutters. Are you licensed and insured. Do you perform background checks. Do you install seamless gutters. Do you recommend five inch or six inch for my roof. How many downspouts will you add. Will you provide a written scope with hangers, slope, guards, extensions, and warranty. When is your next opening for an on site visit.

Care after new gutters are installed

Check outlets after the first two rains
Keep extensions in place and pointed away from walks
If you have guards, look them over each fall for seed pods and grit
Touch up scuffs early and tighten straps if a ladder bumped them
Keep grading sloped away from the house to help the system work

Small habits keep your new gutters working for years.

How The Good Contractors Club helps

The Good Contractors Club connects you with trusted, local gutter pros in the Kansas City metro. Licensing and insurance are verified. Background checks are standard. We look for strong warranties and clean work. You contact a vetted pro directly. No forms that sell your info. No spam. Fewer but higher intent matches so you get quality, not noise.

Bottom line

You likely need new gutters if you see leaks, sag, overflow, washed out soil, or basement damp after rain. Choose the right size, add enough downspouts, and make sure water exits far from the foundation. Ask clear questions and demand a full written estimate. Your home will be safer and drier in Overland Park, Olathe, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Waldo, Brookside, and North Kansas City.