Is it really time to start thinking about spring? Officially, spring begins March 20, so it's really not that far away at all. I think everyone I know is ready to open up doors and windows and start thinking about those outside projects. One of the first projects we tackle every year is the gutters. 

Keeping gutters clean and free of debris is essential to preventing failure. When gutters fail, water may be allowed to run into walls and windows, damage the paint, or filter into the foundation. However, not everyone has the time or the skill to balance on a ladder to periodically clean out the gutters. Several products are available to cover or guard the gutters and reduce the amount of maintenance.

Open gutter guard systems use mesh screens, or screens with diamond or circular shaped holes to cover the top of the gutter. Water drips through the screen, while larger debris, such as leaves and nuts, falls over the sides of the gutter or blows away in the wind. These systems must be properly anchored and ridged enough to avoid sagging under the weight of wet debris.

Closed gutter guard systems have solid tops. They rely on the principle of surface adhesion. Water flows over a curved edge into horizontal holes on the sides of the guard while unwanted debris simply rolls off the edge.

Before selecting a specific gutter guard, consider the variety and amount of vegetation that exists on a particular property. Gutter covers or guards are good at keeping large and medium-sized particles out of the gutter. Smaller particles may find their way through the holes. You may also consider increasing the size of the gutter itself, or hiring someone to periodically clean the gutters.