Rain gutters can't do their job if they aren't kept clean. Leaves, pine needles, seeds and other debris can clog your gutter system. Rotten wood, leaky basements, frozen walkways and annoying drips are just a few of the problems you could face when your gutters get clogged.
But cleaning your gutters is a thankless, messy job. You need to be fearless of heights, have a good ladder, hand tools to scoop out leaves, and a garden hose to flush your gutters. You may also need a plumber's snake to clear clogs in your downspouts.
At the very least, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year, once in the Fall and once in Spring. This is general guideline, though. If you live in a wet climate or have tall trees next to your house, you will need to clean more often.
Installing gutter guards is a better option. They provide a peace of mind and keep you and your loved ones from risking life and limb when climbing ladders.
Gutter guards - also known as gutter screens or leaf guards - keep leaves, pine needles, seeds, buds and other debris out of your gutters, while letting water flow in.
Gutter guards come in many different styles including screens, surface tension systems, foam gutter guards and hybrid systems.
As the name implies, gutter screens use a metal or vinyl mesh to keep leaves and large debris from entering your gutter. Screen systems are often the least expensive and easiest to install of all the gutter guards, but - depending on their mesh size - may still allow some seeds and buds to get into your gutter.
Surface tension systems look like covers or caps for your gutters. These systems typically include a slot or trough along the edge of the cover. As water flows over the cover, surface tension makes it follow the curve of the gutter guard and flow into the slot, a path that the debris cannot follow.
Foam gutter guards work on a different principle, filling your gutters with a water-permeable foam insert. Foam guards ward off small seeds and buds that might slip through other types of gutter guards. But make sure the foam is treated to resist mold and repel insects. It should also be treated with a fire retardant.
Hybrid systems combine aspects of screen and surface tension systems, often featuring a finer mesh than more screen systems. Hybrid systems work well, but can be more expensive than other systems.
In addition to the gutter guards, it's also a good idea to put guards, or leaf strainers over the openings to your downspouts. Wire strainers, as they are generally known, keep the leaves from clogging your downspouts and/or underground drainage.
Which system is right for you?
The answer depends on your specific situation. Are you comfortable on ladders? Do you have the necessary time? Can you find someone that you can rely on (and who has insurance) to keep your gutters clean?
Surface tension systems are usually more expensive than gutter screens, and hybrid systems can be the most expensive. But prices will vary and you may be able to get a good deal on a more advanced system.
Consider the types of trees around your house. Pine trees pose a bigger problem than deciduous trees, since their needles are smaller than leaves.
Also note that not all gutter guards are compatible with all types of roofs and gutters. See this chart (http://www.guttersupply.com/file_area/public/File/leafguardcompchart.jpg) to tell which brands will work for your roof.
Finally, keep in mind that gutter guards are not foolproof. Some systems, especially the less expensive ones, may still allow small debris to get into your gutters. This may not be enough to clog your gutters, but could lead to a build-up over time.
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