How to Install a Low-Maintenance Gutter System

In a heavy rainstorm, we count on our gutters to collect water and divert it away from the house. Just two inches of rain on a typical roof can send a thousand gallons of water gushing through the gutters and downspouts. That is a lot of water that can end up where we don't want it if our gutter system fails us. Unfortunately, gutters seem to collect falling leaves and debris almost as effectively as they collect water, which can thoroughly clog them. This leaves the water with no place to go except over the sides.

Large amounts of water spilling over the gutters and pooling up on the ground below can cause serious problems. In fact, at Ron's home, cascading water from the roof filled his basement window wells, breaking the window glass and flooding the basement. The result was a thoroughly soaked carpet and a huge mess to clean up.

Unfortunately, Ron learned the hard way about the extent of damage that can be caused by clogged gutters. The good news is that there are clues, even before a basement begins to flood, that a problem is developing.

When a gutter overflows and the water comes down and hits the ground, it splashes dirt and mulch up on the side of the house. If you look up at the gutters, you generally will also see debris and water marks on the side of the gutter. All of this is evidence that the gutter is not working properly and cleaning is necessary.

A simple plastic scoop makes it easier to remove leaves and twigs. The narrow profile fits all the way to the bottom and the flexible top edges can be pinched together to provide a firm grip on debris as it is removed. Once the gutter is free of leaves, the downspouts need to be flushed out with a garden hose. Find out more about Gutter Getters or order Gutter Getters online.

Once the heavy material has been removed, a gutter washer is great for removing any remaining bits and pieces. A long extension handle allows you to do some of this work from the ground without climbing a ladder.

Order gutter washers online!

With a clean gutter and clear downspouts, the next step is to ensure that the water that flows into the downspout is diverted away from the house and the foundation.

A splash block, which is made of plastic or concrete, carries downspout drainage a short distance from the foundation. The primary advantage is the simple installation.

Another solution is a downspout extension, which replaces the bottom elbow of the downspout and is held in place with a screw. The extension includes a holding bracket so that when it's time to mow the lawn or get the extension out of the way, it folds up and snaps into place.

Once your downspouts are clear, there are two important things you need to do to keep them that way. First, attach some type of strainer to the top of the downspout. A wire mesh type simply sits in the top of the downspout, preventing leaves from going down. Another option is a drainer that allows the water to flow from the bottom and therefore may be less subject to clogging.

Of course the best way to keep your gutters clean is to prevent debris from collecting in them in the first place. Metal or plastic gutter guards are a common option and are available at any home improvement center. The downside is that these can be a little tricky to install, and if wet leaves collect on the top, it can restrict the flow of water.

Another option is a product called Gutter Cap. The cap completely covers the gutter, keeping leaves and debris out. Surface tension causes the water to flow over the cap lip and down into the gutter.
Learn more about the Gutter Cap System.

Professional installers begin by loosening the second row of shingles and then slipping a metal edge underneath, securing it with screws. The cap sections are then bent to match the pitch of the roof and slipped into the metal edge.

The caps snap onto the front rim of the gutter and are secured in place with a screw.

In colder climates where icicle and ice damming can present problems, the company also offers an additional feature to their gutter covers - a heating system to melt the ice.

An electrical heating cable is laid on top of the cap and concealed under a metal cover.
Learn more about Heater Cap.

Once it's in place, an end plate is cut and shaped, set in position - and secured.

Finally the conduit is connected to the thermostat and the cover is replaced. Back inside he installs the circuit breaker and puts the cover back on the breaker box.

When the rains started, the gutter cap system seemed to work just as it was supposed to.