You can visualize it exactly: leaking, sagging gutters that are pulling away from your home. Looks bad, and worse – it could cause expensive damage to your roofline or foundation.
At this point, it’s common to wonder whether you just need a few repairs or a full replacement. The truth is, both can solve water drainage problems, but only one can deliver long-term peace of mind depending on your home’s age, eavestrough system, and damage level.
If you’re a homeowner in Southwest Ontario (think Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Cambridge, Niagara region or nearby), this guide will help you understand when eavestrough repair is enough and when replacement is the smarter investment.
Eavestroughs Matter More Than You Think
Your eavestrough system protects more than just your roofline. A proper gutter system directs thousands of litres of rainwater away from your home’s foundation every year. Without properly functioning gutters, when rain fails, that water has nowhere to go but down your siding, behind your fascia, and into the ground near your basement walls.
Ignoring the warning signs of wear can lead to costly problems (we’ve seen them so many times). Things like:
- Foundation cracks or flooding
- Damaged soffit and fascia boards
- Mold and rot around roof edges
- Stained siding and walkways
That’s why keeping your eavestroughs in top shape (either through proper eavestrough repair or timely replacement) is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your home.
Common Signs Your Eavestroughs Need Attention
Before deciding whether to repair or replace, take a look at what your gutters are telling you.
Leaks and Drips
If you notice water dripping from seams or corners, your eavestrough may have small holes or deteriorating sealant. Minor leaks can usually be repaired, but multiple or recurring leaks often signal that the entire run is worn out.
Sagging or Pulling Away
When gutters sag or separate from the fascia, they’re no longer sloped properly to drain. This can be caused by heavy debris buildup, old nails, or weak hangers. Sometimes realignment or new hangers can fix the issue, but widespread sagging means it’s time for replacement (seamless aluminum eavestrough systems solve this issue from the get-go. Check out our blog on seamless gutters here.).
Overflow During Rain
Overflowing gutters usually mean clogs or inadequate sizing. Cleaning and adding gutter guards can help (like the Alu-Rex Gutter Clean System). But if the troughs themselves are undersized (for example, old 4-inch troughs), upgrading to 5″ or 6″ seamless eavestroughs ensures proper flow during Ontario’s heaviest downpours.
Not sure if 5 or 6 inch is better? Read our guide here.
Peeling Paint or Rust Stains
Rust is a clear sign of aging galvanized steel gutters. Modern aluminum eavestroughs don’t rust and come in baked-on finishes that last decades (and can even be colour-matched), making replacement the smarter long-term choice.
Frequent Eavestrough Repairs or Patching
If you’ve had to repair multiple sections in the past few years, the cost of continued patching often outweighs the price of installing new seamless eavestroughs that require less upkeep.
When Eavestrough Repair Is Enough
Not every issue calls for a complete replacement. In many cases, quick and professional eavestrough repair can restore your system’s performance and extend its lifespan.
Here’s when repair makes sense:
- Your gutters are still structurally sound, with no major corrosion or cracking
- Only one or two spots are leaking (depending on the location of the leak)
- Sections are not bent or torn open
- You’ve recently replaced your roof, and the gutter system is otherwise solid
Common repair solutions include:
- Resealing corners with UV-protected silicone
- Refastening sagging sections with new hangers
- Re-sloping for better drainage
- Replacing small damaged portions
A proper repair can easily buy you another 5 years of life, especially when followed by annual maintenance or upgraded with Alu-Rex gutter protection to prevent clogs and ice damage.
When Eavestrough Replacement Is the Right Choice
Many times, an eavestrough repair simply isn’t enough. If your system is more than 15 years old, heavily dented, or leaking in multiple places, replacing with new seamless aluminum eavestroughs will provide better protection and value in the long run (especially with new technology and custom-fitting that simply didn’t exist before).
Benefits of Full Replacement
Seamless design: Fewer joints mean fewer leaks.
Custom fit: Each section is cut on-site to your home’s exact measurements.
Stronger attachment: Continuous hangers like Alu-Rex’s T-Rex® strengthen every inch of gutter.
Modern aesthetics: Clean lines that match new siding, soffit, and fascia.
Warranty coverage: 25-year manufacturer protection on aluminum + lifetime clog-free options with gutter guards.
Example: Upgrading to 6” Gutters
Many older homes still have 4-inch gutters that simply struggle to handle Ontario’s rainfall on some days. Upgrading to 5 or 6-inch seamless eavestroughs improves flow, especially on steep or large roofs. The difference in width might seem small, but it nearly doubles drainage capacity.
Read about the difference: 5 vs 6 Inch Eavestroughs: Choosing the Right Size
Eavestrough Repair vs. Replacement: A Quick Comparison
| Factor | Repair | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower upfront (ideal for small fixes) | Higher initial cost, better long-term ROI |
| Longevity | 5+ years with proper maintenance | 20+ years with proper installation |
| Performance | May not resolve underlying slope or size issues | Optimized flow, better protection |
| Aesthetic Impact | Minimal change | Fresh, uniform look |
| Warranty Coverage | Limited (if any) | Manufacturer + workmanship warranties |
When in doubt, a professional inspection can help determine which option makes sense for your home’s age and structure.
Need a free quote? Let us know what you need here.
But What About Material? Why Aluminum Is The Best Choice
When choosing between repair or replacement, aluminum eavestroughs remain the gold standard for Canadian homes. They’re:
- Lightweight yet durable
- Rust-resistant
- Canadian-made and sourced (ours are, at least)
- Available in a wide range of colours
- Easy to customize on-site
- Supported by strong manufacturer warranties
Unlike vinyl (which can crack) or steel (which can rust), aluminum is built for Canadian weather and performs year-round (can handle the freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow).
Add Gutter Protection for Long-Term Results
Whether you decide to do an eavestrough repair or a full gutter replacement, installing gutter guards like Alu-Rex’s Gutter Clean Pro® or DoublePro™ is one of the best ways to reduce maintenance and extend system life.
These guards:
- Block leaves, pine needles, and debris
- Improve winter performance by preventing ice dams
- Protect caulking from UV damage
- Are made in Canada and backed by a lifetime clog-free warranty
Get a Professional Gutter Assessment
If you’re unsure whether your home need an eavestrough repair or replacement, a professional assessment can make the decision easy. At The Eavestrough Company, we inspect slope, drainage, and gutter integrity to recommend the most cost-effective solution for long-term performance.
Serving Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Cambridge, and surrounding communities, we’re proud to be Alu-Rex Elite Installers using only premium Canadian aluminum from Gentek, Royal, and Kaycan.
Final Thoughts
Eavestroughs might not be the most visible part of your home, but they protect the visible and invisible areas that matter most. If you’ve noticed leaks, sagging, or overflow, don’t wait until water damage sets in. A small repair today (or a full replacement if needed) can save you thousands down the road.
👉 Book your free estimate today to find out what your home really needs.
