Winter is here, and with it comes wetter weather from border to border and coast to coast.
An effective combination of gutters and downspouts that efficiently channel water run-off from the roof is a must. That is, only if you want to prevent myriad potential problems, such as foundation leaks, stained or soaked walls, retained moisture problems (siding deterioration, mold), stuck windows and doors, and/or a substantial erosion in surrounding soil. Therefore, we strongly recommend having a top-quality gutter system in place instead.
As for the material of choice, we prefer 26-gauge galvanized sheet metal gutters and downspouts because, by comparison, sheet metal is stronger than aluminum, it is more watertight than plastic and it is, by far, much less expensive than copper.
With that said, the next important thing to remember is to keep gutters clean and running free. Wet debris lodged at the bottom of a metal gutter promotes rust and deterioration and will inevitably lead to premature replacement and needless higher home maintenance costs.
Debris settled in the gutters eventually washes downstream and often ends up clogging downspouts as well, creating a gutter flooding back-up, which is equivalent to not having gutters at all.
This in turn, resumes the “no gutter” problems noted earlier — such as damage to wood surfaces, potential fungus growth and, in some instances, allowing pervasive water to back up and start leaking into the home.
Gutter awareness and seasonal maintenance is most important in fall and winter due to leaves and debris that drop onto the roof from surrounding trees, and some species are more difficult to deal with and manage than others.
For this, a variety of “gutter protectors” are offered to eliminate this problem.
Basically, gutter protectors prevent leaves from getting into your rain gutter (especially the full flat leaves that fall from trees such as mulberry, oak, birch and maple) while still allowing water to drain into the system and to be safely channeled away.
Almost all of the gutter protectors on the market work well with large flat leaves. Each allows water to seep into the gutter while keeping large leaves out. However, pesky pine needles, small blossoms and berries present a different and special problem.
The most common gutter protection device is the “tension-mount” screen type made from a pliable, flexible metal or plastic mesh that is slightly wider than the gutter opening.
The pros: It is inexpensive, installation is simple and once snapped into place, the wider cut material arcs upward and it keeps wet or dry large leaves from falling through.
The cons: Large leaves can pile up and smaller debris, such as seeds, berries and the like, can clog the screen to the point where rainwater passes over the gutter instead of into it.
Pine needles are especially tough as they wedge themselves into this type of screen. Thus, screen-type gutter protection anywhere near pine trees is a troublesome combination.
Snap-in screen gutter protectors are a bit more expensive and are self- supporting, meaning they simply snap into place on top of the gutter. They are easy to install and to remove for cleaning when debris falls through and into the gutter. While framed snap-in screen protectors cost more, easy removal makes them better in the long run. Removing pine needles is easier too.
A louvered-style gutter cap is also good for combating pine needles and other tiny debris. It is a “solid cover” type protector that mounts above the gutter and slides in below the roof shingles and felt.
However, it is tricky to install, as nails must be driven through the flashing and into the roof frame from beneath the existing shingles. Thus, it is best done by experienced do-it-yourselfers or, better yet, by a sheet metal contractor — and pro installation makes this an even more expensive option.
After testing a number of alternatives, we recommend “GutterBrush.” It is inexpensive, easy to install and it really works.
GutterBrush is a series of 5- or 6-inch round weather-resistant brushes — offered in 3-foot or 18-inch lengths — that are easily placed end-to-end throughout a rainwater system.
It kind of resembles a bottle brush on steroids. Debris that fall are suspended flat or on edge on top of GutterBrush, while the bottom remains open, allowing run-off water to easily pass through and flow freely.
Maintenance is easy too, as over time, debris exposed to sun and wind simply blows off or it deteriorates and rinses away.
Go to www.gutterbrush.com to brush-up on great protection that keeps gutters and downspouts clean and running free.
For tips from James and Morris Carey, go to www.onthehouse.com or call the listener hot line, 800-737-2474, ext. 59. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.
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