The only thing that should be in your gutters is water. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Leaves, branches, and other tree debris can accumulate in your gutters causing major roof leaks that require immediate attention. Having well-designed gutters means you won’t have to worry about cleaning or unclogging them ever again. The following three options are some of the best ways to avoid climbing ladders to clean your gutters in the future. If you need assistance, repairs or replacement, the contractors at Elite Remodeling Services are standing by for your call at (904) 657-8383.

Fine Mesh Screens

How It Works:

A mesh screen is a perforated shield installed under the shingles. The holes allow the water to pass through to the gutter; larger debris, like leaves and branches, is kept out. Smaller objects like seeds or pine needles will be able to pass through, however. Installation is simple. The product can be placed under the shingles or screwed into the gutter fascia. The screen will stay secured even if there is snow or hail.

What You Have to Do:

Fine mesh screens require little maintenance. All you need to do is occasionally brush aside any debris that has accumulated on top.

Price:

Prices vary depending on whether you buy plastic, metal, or vinyl screens. You can expect to pay anywhere from $2.00 to $4.00 per foot. Costco sells 100 feet of stainless steel micro-mesh gutters for $2.00 per foot.

Our Thoughts:

There is a lot to love about fine mesh screens. They are easy to install, durable, and reliable. The only downsides are that they can be hard to find, and there aren’t as many color options.

Foam Inserts

How It Works:

You fill your gutters with a foam insert. That’s it. That way, nothing else can get in there. If that seems counterintuitive, let us explain.

The foam insert is incredibly flexible. It gives way to water without allowing room for leaves and other debris. The malleability of the foam makes it easy to install while ensuring they are out of view.

What You Have to Do:

After installation, you might have to do regular debris removal. Out of the three options here, the foam inserts have the highest likelihood of debris becoming trapped around them. Still, some gutter protection is better than no gutter protection.

Price:

Foam inserts range from $1.75 to $3.50 per foot. Not only is this cheaper up front, but you will also save time and money on the installation process. All you have to do is cut and plug sections of the foam into your gutters. No professional assistance needed.

Our Thoughts:

Foam inserts are the easiest and least expensive solution on this list. They might not be a good option if your gutters are susceptible to accumulating sand, dirt, or other micro-debris, however. The small debris can solidify in the gutter and be hard to clean if left undisturbed.

Surface-Tension Hoods

How It Works:

Surface-tension gutters are installed on a slope, so they divert debris away from the gutter still allowing water through. The key to the design is the rounded nose of the hood. This structure is what separates water and debris, and ultimately keeps your gutters clean.

While surface-tension gutters are the most visible option from the ground, they will endure even the harshest conditions, such as torrential downpours.

What You Have to Do:

The work is in the installation process. Your gutters may even need to be rehung to accommodate them. Once in place, though, surface-tension hoods require no maintenance.

Price:

Surface-tension hoods typically run $3 to $6 per foot; aluminum hoods can go as high as $10 per foot.

Our Thoughts:

Surface-tension hoods are among the most durable and long-lasting gutter guards on the market. They are excellent against the elements, come in a variety of colors, and most importantly, require little to no maintenance. This is a product you will want to consider, especially if you are willing to spend a little extra money.

No matter which option you choose, be sure to call the roofing, siding and gutter experts at Elite Remodeling Services today at (904) 657-8383.