Gutters

[DickR]

I'm hoping others with experience with the various types of gutter screening will chime in. It seems to me that success depends on the nature of tree debris falling on the screens. Pine needles, in particular, can poke into even small openings. I would think that periodic cleaning would be needed anyway, although perhaps not as often. And then, I imagine picking pine needles out of openings could be quite tedious, and not easily done by hose or leaf blower. I've been doing my own gutter cleaning with a leaf blower twice a year, when the roof is absolutely dry. I don't mind the parts that are one story high, but on the places where the ground is two stories down, I am reminded by great nervousness that at my age I probably should not be up there!

[Whimsey]

Originally Posted by DickR

I'm hoping others with experience with the various types of gutter screening will chime in. It seems to me that success depends on the nature of tree debris falling on the screens. Pine needles, in particular, can poke into even small openings. I would think that periodic cleaning would be needed anyway, although perhaps not as often. And then, I imagine picking pine needles out of openings could be quite tedious, and not easily done by hose or leaf blower. I've been doing my own gutter cleaning with a leaf blower twice a year, when the roof is absolutely dry. I don't mind the parts that are one story high, but on the places where the ground is two stories down, I am reminded by great nervousness that at my age I probably should not be up there!

Dick, on a prior house in NJ I installed a bull noosed gutter topper like Gutter Helmet. I had previously tried screens sold in Home centers but still had to clean them once or twice a year. The gutter helmet worked much better.

[tis]

Originally Posted by DickR

I'm hoping others with experience with the various types of gutter screening will chime in. It seems to me that success depends on the nature of tree debris falling on the screens. Pine needles, in particular, can poke into even small openings. I would think that periodic cleaning would be needed anyway, although perhaps not as often. And then, I imagine picking pine needles out of openings could be quite tedious, and not easily done by hose or leaf blower. I've been doing my own gutter cleaning with a leaf blower twice a year, when the roof is absolutely dry. I don't mind the parts that are one story high, but on the places where the ground is two stories down, I am reminded by great nervousness that at my age I probably should not be up there!

We have the same problem. I don't know what we have on there now but it all gets stuck in the top. I was hoping for more replies. We are wondering if leaf filters work. You know the ones they advertise constantly?

[Lil' Barndoor Guy]

In my opinion, none of the "Leaf Guard" systems work. They cost a lot, get in the way of cleaning and divert water during heavy rains. A partial solution is to install 3"x4" downspouts to eliminate the bottleneck, but be careful if it's piped into ground drains

[tis]

Originally Posted by Lil' Barndoor Guy

In my opinion, none of the "Leaf Guard" systems work. They cost a lot, get in the way of cleaning and divert water during heavy rains. A partial solution is to install 3"x4" downspouts to eliminate the bottleneck, but be careful if it's piped into ground drains

That's what I'm worried about, we would spend thousands for something that still doesn't keep the debris out.

[TiltonBB]

I had Leaf Filter come out for an estimate a few years ago. It was almost like negotiating a car purchase. They started at a crazy high price and after some discussion and sending them to the door they dropped to a much lower price and I signed the contract.

I have been happy with the filters and they have eliminated the annual job of cleaning the gutters.

[tis]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

I had Leaf Filter come out for an estimate a few years ago. It was almost like negotiating a car purchase. They started at a crazy high price and after some discussion and sending them to the door they dropped to a much lower price and I signed the contract.

I have been happy with the filters and they have eliminated the annual job of cleaning the gutters.

Really? That is the kid of info I was looking for. So instead of say 7000 they will cut that in half? i think they do it by the foot right? And most importantly you have NO cleaning?

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Lil' Barndoor Guy

In my opinion, none of the "Leaf Guard" systems work. They cost a lot, get in the way of cleaning and divert water during heavy rains. A partial solution is to install 3"x4" downspouts to eliminate the bottleneck, but be careful if it's piped into ground drains

This is what Lakes Region Seamless Gutters did at our camp. The gutters still get filled with debris and need annual cleaning, but the water can still flow easily.

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