Get matched with top gutter cleaning pros in Metamora, MI

While both work, heated gutters are a more popular choice as they don’t affect the aesthetic of the home. Roof cables are powerful, but some consider them a bit ugly. That being said, heated gutters cost less than heated cables, so the decision really comes down to budget and desired appearance.

If you’re not interested in digging up your yard, but you still need to direct water away from your house, another option is to extend your downspouts further out into the yard. Two methods to do this are:

• Adding a splashguard. This is the simplest method. You can purchase a splashguard at your local hardware store and place it under your downspout. This will act as a funnel to direct water away from your house.

• Add downspout extension at the end. You can also add an additional downspout to the end of the “elbow” as a way to extend the water further out into your yard. Some hardware stores sell downspouts with a flexible extension that you can maneuver around your yard.

The above alternatives are great options if your gutters are above a slab foundation that you wouldn’t want to dig up. One downside to these methods is if your yard slopes back upwards to your home, then the water won’t actually flow away. In which case, burying your downspouts if the best option to avoid flooding and water damage to your home.

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, to remove the debris from trees that can clog the eavestroughs and downspouts. Debris like leaves, twigs, and seed pods can build up and cause your gutters to overflow, potentially causing damage to your roof and foundation. Water backing up under the shingles can rot the edge of your roofline. Overflow water falling next to your foundation can end up leaking into your basement or crawl space.

Gutter guards can slow down the process of getting clogged gutters, but they won’t technically reduce your chances of it happening. They’re not a permanent solution. Instead, they’re a temporary fix where after some time, leaves and debris will continue to build on top of them and make your gutters less effective. Periodically cleaning your gutters is the best way to reduce the chances of them clogging.