Gutter solutions for eliminating clogs

Even though it appears the rainy, windy season is over for the year, now is the perfect time to think about home gutters.
Homes surrounded by a variety of trees that lose their leaves each year are especially vulnerable to debris of all types collecting in gutters, causing clogs and sometimes flooding.
There are several ways to prevent gutter clogs, including Byers LeafGuard system whereby the existing house gutters are removed and the new device is installed to take its place.
Susan Fitch-McNeil is the co-owner of the 18-year-old company located in Grass Valley.
"Our system features an internal bracket that allows us to attach to the fascia or rafter tails. This creates a positive flow toward the large, sweeping, curved downspouts, whisking the water away from the home," she said. "When water hits the top of the hood, it travels around the hood and drops off into the trough, just like a glass that is placed sideways under a faucet. The water rolls off."
The Englert patent system LeafGuard uses came onto the home scene in the 1980s in New Jersey. Its curved design allows rainwater to travel down, around and into the gutter's trough while deflecting leaves and debris. LeafGuard systems are constructed of heavy-duty aluminum, come in a variety of colors, and carry a 20-year finish warranty.
Fitch-MacNeil said one of the best parts about LeafGuard is that it is guaranteed not to clog. If for some reason small amounts of debris do find their way into the guard, LeafGuard will clean the gutters free of charge.
Not having to ever clean house gutters prevents homeowners from serious injury that can result from climbing on the roof, Fitch-MacNeil said. The Association of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that more than 300 people per year die due to ladder accidents and more than 500,000 are treated in emergency rooms for serious injuries each year, she said.
Another option for protection against gutter clogs is a device that installs over existing gutters offered by GutterTopper, which is also located in Grass Valley.
Unlike LeafGuard, GutterTopper attaches to the home's existing gutters with fasteners or screws that tend to last longer than brackets, which, according to GutterTopper's owner Marla Daley, can tend to fail.
"GutterToppers do not affect the integrity of the roof," Daley said. "It works off the idea of surface tension. When it rains, water follows the contours of the roof and goes into the gutter but leaves and debris do not. This system can handle up to 22 inches of rainfall in one hour."
GutterToppers also features an ice release system that helps prevent ice and snow from filling up gutters during the winter months.
Both systems are guaranteed for the life of the home.
For more information about LeafGuard, call (800) 977-5323. For information about GutterTopper, call (877) 338-6777.
Susan Belknap can be reached at sbelknap@surewest.net.