Debris in Gutters

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

October 26, 2000

Q. We have an ongoing problem with our gutters. We live in a ranch-type house on a tree-filled property. The debris collecting in the gutters is unbelievable. Our gutters are constantly overflowing, causing water to run into the basement window wells and into the basement. Is there a gutter guard that will help? I don't want to spend a lot of money. -Marjorie Brewer, Commack

A. Because you want an economical solution, I won't suggest a new gutter system or cutting down a lot of trees. Trimming trees, of course, is one of the best ways to solve your problem, because as long as you have trees with overhanging branches you're going to have leaves and twigs clogging your gutters.

GutterTop Solutions in Dayton, Ohio, manufactures the Cinch gutter guard cap that fits over the gutters. This vinyl cap comes in four colors, including white and almond, and keeps leaves and twigs from filling the gutter while allowing water to seep through tiny grooves. Four-foot sections cost $ 4.60 and fit under the edge of asphalt shingles, then clip on to the outer edge of the gutter.

After cleaning your gutters thoroughly, simply install the caps end to end. You can trim them to fit with a utility knife.

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Gutter screens are another way to go; however, these screens often bend and sag. After a while, you have both the debris and screens to contend with.

If you find that the gutter caps don't work, try a new gutter system. Gutters are typically 4 or 5 inches wide, but newer seamless gutters are available in 6-inch widths. This extra inch allows leaves and debris to flow through the entire system. By the way, Cinch gutter guards also are available to cover the new 6-inch wide systems.

Another alternative might be a system that has its own gutter cap built in, like the LeafGuard system by Englert of Perth Amboy, N.J. (www.leaf guard.com). LeafGuard is a seamless, one-piece gutter with a curved cap on the top. You can contact LeafGuard at 800-LeafGuard.