Gutter Repair vs Replacement Cost: Camas WA Homeowner Guide

The Dilemma: Patch It or Pitch It?

For homeowners in Camas, WA, the sound of rain is a constant backdrop, especially for those living near the Washougal River corridor or the heavily wooded areas of Lacamas Lake. But when that rhythmic patter turns into a chaotic dripping sound right outside your window, or worse, a waterfall over your entryway, you face a critical decision: Gutter repair vs replacement cost.

In our experience handling over 500 exterior maintenance projects across Clark County, we find that Camas homes face unique challenges. The combination of East County wind gusts and heavy needle drop from mature Douglas Firs creates a stress test for any gutter system. Often, homeowners assume a few leaks mean the entire system is shot, or conversely, they try to patch a system that is structurally failing, throwing good money after bad.

This guide compares the costs, benefits, and long-term value of repairing your existing gutters versus investing in a new seamless installation, specifically tailored for the Camas climate.

![Diagram illustrating the difference between sectional and seamless gutter systems]

Gutter Repair vs. Replacement: Defining the Options

Before we dive into the costs, it is essential to understand what each service entails. In the Pacific Northwest, "repair" and "replacement" mean very different things regarding longevity and performance.

Option A: Gutter Repair

Gutter repair focuses on extending the life of your current system. This is typically a targeted approach to fix specific failure points. In Camas, where freeze-thaw cycles can pop nails loose, repairs often involve:

• Resealing Corners: Removing old, cracked caulk and applying high-grade sealants like Geocel 2320 to stop leaks at mitered joints.
• Re-securing Hangers: Replacing old spikes and ferrules (which pull out easily) with modern hidden hangers and heavy-duty screws that bite into the fascia.
• Fixing Downspouts: Re-attaching loose straps or replacing a crushed bottom elbow damaged by landscaping equipment.
• Slope Adjustment: Re-pitching a section of gutter that has begun to sag and hold water, preventing mosquito breeding and rust.

Repair is best suited for localized damage on a relatively young system (under 15 years old).

Option B: Full Gutter Replacement

Replacement involves removing the entire existing system and installing new troughs. For Camas homes, this almost exclusively means installing seamless aluminum gutters (usually 5k or 6k style). Key aspects include:

• Custom Fabrication: Gutters are formed on-site from a continuous coil of aluminum to match the exact length of your roofline, eliminating mid-run seams where leaks start.
• Fascia Inspection: Removal allows us to inspect the wood behind the gutter. See our guide on preventing fascia rot for why this is critical.
• Upgraded Capacity: Many older homes have 5-inch gutters. Replacement allows an upgrade to 6-inch gutters, which handle the heavy volume of rain we see in the Willamette Valley and Clark County much better.

![Diagram showing the cross-section of a 5k vs 6k gutter profile and water capacity]

Side-by-Side Comparison

When weighing gutter repair vs replacement cost, it helps to look at the direct comparison of what you get for your money. Below is a breakdown based on current market rates in the Camas and greater Vancouver, WA area.

Pros and Cons

The Case for Repair

Pros:

• Cost-Effective Short Term: If you are planning to sell your home in the next year, a repair can ensure the inspection passes without a large capital outlay.
• Less Invasive: Repairs can often be done in an hour or two without the noise and activity of a full install crew.
• Targeted: If a tree branch fell and crushed just one section, repairing that specific run is the logical choice.

Cons:

• The "Band-Aid" Effect: In older galvanized steel gutters, fixing one leak often increases pressure on the next weak spot, leading to "chasing leaks" around the house.
• Aesthetic Mismatch: New sections of gutter may not perfectly match the faded paint of existing runs.
• Underlying Issues: Repairing a gutter often ignores the root cause, such as insufficient slope or fascia rot.

The Case for Replacement

Pros:

• Superior Drainage: Seamless gutters minimize friction, allowing water and debris to move faster. This is crucial if you are trying to prevent heavy ice damage during our occasional winter freezes.
• Low Maintenance: Fewer seams mean fewer snags for pine needles and debris, making cleaning easier.
• Property Value: New gutters are a visible improvement that signals a well-maintained home to buyers.
• Custom Fit: We ensure the downspouts are placed for optimal drainage, keeping water away from your foundation.

Cons:

• Higher Upfront Investment: It is a significant home improvement project.
• Installation Time: Requires a full day or more depending on the size of the home.

Critical Factors for Camas Homeowners

Living in Camas introduces specific variables that should influence your decision.

1. Tree Canopy and Debris

Neighborhoods like Prune Hill and those bordering Lacamas Lake have dense tree canopies. If your current gutters are 5-inch sectional vinyl or aluminum, they likely clog constantly. Repairing them won't fix the capacity issue. Upgrading to 6-inch seamless gutters allows for better debris flow and handles the sudden deluges we get in spring. If you are constantly battling clogs, check our guide on gutter cleaning frequency.

2. The Age of Your Gutters

Aluminum gutters typically last 20-25 years. If your home was built in the late 90s or early 2000s (common in many Camas developments) and still has the original gutters, the metal is likely fatigued. Sealant failure at every joint is a sign the system has reached the end of its life.

3. Fascia Board Condition

If your gutters are pulling away from the house, it might not be the gutter's fault. It could be soft, rotting fascia wood. We often see this on north-facing walls in Camas that don't get enough sun to dry out. In this case, you must remove the gutter to replace the wood. Re-hanging an old, bent gutter on new wood is rarely worth the labor cost; replacement is the smarter play.

![Diagram showing how fascia rot develops behind gutters due to water overflow]

Our Professional Recommendation

After assessing hundreds of homes from Felida to Washougal, here is our professional verdict on the gutter repair vs replacement cost debate:

Choose Repair If:

• Your gutters are less than 15 years old and generally in good shape.
• The damage is localized to one or two areas (e.g., a single leaking corner or a loose downspout).
• You have seamless aluminum gutters that just need a tune-up (resealing corners or adding hangers).
• You need a quick fix to divert water away from a walkway or flowerbed immediately. Read about using downspout extensions for drainage solutions.

Choose Replacement If:

• You have sectional gutters (seams every 10 feet) that are leaking in multiple places.
• You see rust spots (common on older steel gutters) or cracks in vinyl gutters.
• The gutters are sagging along the entire run due to spike failure.
• You are planning to paint your house or install a new roof—this is the perfect time to upgrade gutters for a complete exterior refresh.
• Water is overflowing even when gutters are clean, indicating they are too small for your roof's surface area.

Cost Breakdown: Is It Worth It?

Let's talk numbers. A typical repair call in Camas might cost $350. If you have to do this annually to chase different leaks, you will spend $1,750 over 5 years, and you will still have old, ugly gutters.

Conversely, a full seamless installation for an average 2,500 sq. ft. home might cost between $1,800 and $2,800. This investment protects your foundation, siding, and landscaping for the next 20+ years. When amortized, the replacement costs less than $150 per year over its lifespan.

Schedule a Consultation

Don't let a failing gutter system compromise your Camas home's foundation or siding. Whether you need a simple corner reseal or a complete custom installation, All Seasons Cleaning Services provides honest assessments and high-quality workmanship.

We serve the entire area, from the historic downtown Camas district to the newer developments near Green Mountain. Contact us today to discuss your gutter repair and installation needs.

Not sure if it's time to replace? We also offer professional gutter cleaning services and can inspect your system while we are up there.