It’s dirty, smelly and a little bit frightening. If climbing a ladder and scooping compost from your gutters makes you cringe, then you are in luck. There are some products that greatly reduce the amount of time you need to spend cleaning gutters. Before the weeds start growing along your roofline, look into these ways to make life easier.
Inserts
Inserts work by being placed inside your rain gutters Shoreline. The insert could be foam or a round brush. These work by catching debris, like leaves and seeds, while allowing water to pass through to the bottom of the gutter. Rainwater can then easily run to the downspouts and the debris will sit on top of the insert. These systems are sold by the square foot and need to be replaced every couple of years. Inserts extend the time between cleanings but may need to be removed temporarily to clean effectively.
Hoods
If you are planning on purchasing new gutters, then consider ones with a built-in hood. The metal hood hangs over the gutter and has a round edge. The round edge allows water to flow around the hood and into the gutter. However, everything else will stick on top or blow off. Hoods are more expensive than the other options, but they also tend to function better. Also, homes with gutter hoods can go the longest without cleaning. It is always a good idea to ask a professional about the best option for your home. Every location is different.
Caps
Caps attach directly to the top of the gutters. They are usually made from some type of metal or plastic mesh. These work the same way as inserts, in that they allow water to pass through while keeping debris on top of the gutter. Caps extend the time between gutter cleanings but may make cleaning more difficult. If debris builds up for too long, then the gutter cap may need to be removed to effectively clean out everything.