Signs it is replacement, not another cleaning
A cleaning solves debris. It does not solve metal rusted through, seams that have split and keep re-splitting, sections pulling off the fascia, or a run that sags so badly water pools instead of draining. Peeling exterior paint or soft fascia board behind the gutter is another tell. If you have patched the same leak twice, you are past repair. Our free checker and the "signs you need new gutters" guide will tell you straight which camp you are in.
Seamless vs sectional, plainly
Sectional gutters come in ten-foot pieces joined by seams, and every seam is a future leak. Seamless gutters are rolled on site from one continuous coil to the exact length of your roofline, so the only joints are at the corners and downspout outlets. Seamless costs a bit more up front and is worth it for almost everyone, because seams are where gutters fail first. Anyone quoting sectional for a whole house should explain why.
K-style vs half-round, and what size
K-style (the flat-backed profile with the decorative front) is the Sacramento default: it holds more water than half-round of the same width and suits most homes. Half-round fits older or architectural houses and sheds debris a little better. On width, five-inch handles most single-story roofs, but larger roofs and steeper pitches should step up to six-inch, which moves noticeably more water in a hard valley storm.
Downspouts and Sacramento rain
Our rain arrives in atmospheric-river bursts, not gentle drizzle, so downspout capacity matters more than people expect. A correct install sizes and places enough downspouts to actually clear the roof in a downpour and routes the water away from the foundation, not into a puddle against the slab. Too few downspouts is the most common shortcut, and it shows up the first big storm.
Material and color
Seamless aluminum is the sensible standard here: it will not rust, it takes a baked-on color that lasts, and it is affordable. Copper and steel exist for specific looks and budgets. A good installer matches the color to your fascia and trim so the gutters disappear into the house instead of announcing themselves.
What it should cost
Expect roughly $2,000 to $4,500 for a typical whole-home seamless aluminum install, priced by linear foot with more for two stories, steep pitches, hard-to-reach runs, fascia repair, or premium materials. A single elevation or a garage run costs far less. Those are honest local ranges, not a quote. Get two or three, and be wary of any number that arrives with a same-day discount.