Every year, it’s the same thing; the gutters fill with leaves and, if someone doesn't get up there and clean them, trouble is brewing when the snow flies. When the gutters are full, ice and snow build up onto the roof. On a warmer winter day, when the snow and ice start to melt, instead of flowing down the gutter and downspout, they look for somewhere else to go.

Often, that alternate root the melting ice and snow chooses is under the shingles and through the roof. The next thing you know, ceilings are damaged, sheeting and rafters begin to rot and insulation looses its R value – its ability to keep warm air inside in the winter and outside in the summer.

There is only one reasonable alternative to cleaning gutters each year; keep the leaves and debris out of the gutters to begin with.

Gutter Guards are the ticket

How do you keep leaves and debris out of gutters? Simple  - you cover the gutters so leaves and debris can’t get in. The important thing is to make sure the water can get in while keeping other matter out.

Leaves aren’t the only unwanted element that can work its way into gutters. Pieces of gravel break off of roof shingles and fall into gutters. Birds and trees drop seeds and branches into gutters.

Have you ever seen small trees, plants or weeds growing out of a gutter and asked yourself, “How did that get there?” Keep the seeds out of the gutter and you won’t have to ask that question. Good quality gutter guards will keep them out.

Once you’ve decided to relieve yourself of the annual challenge of cleaning your gutters, the next question is, “Which gutter guards are best.”

There are several styles of gutter guards. One type uses foam that is placed in the gutters to displace leaves and other objects. Over time, however, the foam breaks down. Before you know it, along with leaves and other particles, the foam is clogging the gutters.

The best bet is to cap your gutters with a material that lets the water in while keeping other matter out. You’ll want gutter guards with a small enough mesh that roof gravel washes over the gutters instead of into the gutters.

Good quality gutter guards are relatively inexpensive and provide years of maintenance-free convenience. Since gutters filled with leaves, debris, snow and ice can break under the weight, gutter guards can also help you to avoid costly gutter and fascia repairs.