Get matched with top gutter cleaning pros in your area

Underground downspouts refer to the sections of downspout extensions that lead away from your home and gutter system. While they cost more than traditional extensions, they can provide several benefits, such as less frequent damage and no need to move them for lawn care tasks. Whether they're worth it or not depends on your budget at installation time and how much convenience they'll add to your situation.

Several options for hanging Christmas lights won't damage gutters. Using shingle clips avoids any hardware contact with them, and using plastic gutter clips minimizes the likelihood of scratching gutters. Remember not to rest a ladder, especially a metal one, against the gutters, and use a ladder stand-off device or stabilizer if you need to use an extension ladder. 

While gutter guards offer protection for your gutter system, they aren't completely safe from clogs. Over time, small pieces of debris can get through gutter screens. This can eventually cause clogged gutters, gutter leaks, mold formation, and other problems that can compromise your roof, foundation, and other parts of your home. In fact, it's common to see plants growing from gutter screens when gutter guard cleaning has been neglected. Knowing how to clean gutter guards is important to protect your gutter system from damage or malfunction.

It's safe to hang Christmas lights from gutters with a few considerations. First, when installing the lights, follow safe ladder-use guidelines and avoid getting onto the roof. Second, for best results and the integrity of your lights, use clips to keep the bulbs away from inside the gutters where they could run into trouble with water or ice.