Although no roof rain gutter system is completely maintenance-free, you can make a few decisions and upgrades during installation that will greatly reduce the need to deal with clogs and leaks. Fewer maintenance needs mean your gutters are more likely to work and protect your home properly.

1. Seamless Troughs

One of the best ways to lower your gutter maintenance at installation is to go with seamless gutters. Traditional gutters come in pre-determined lengths that must be seamed together, but this isn't the case with seamless varieties. These are manufactured on your property by the installer, so they are custom fit to your roof eaves. Fewer seams mean less of a chance for leak development, thus fewer repair needs.

2. Upgraded Sizing

If you have a steep roof, going with the standard size of gutters may lead to frequent overflowing and the need to repaint or replace rotten fascia boards behind the gutters often. Narrow downspouts will also be more prone to clogs, which means cleaning is required more frequently. You can upgrade the gutters and downspouts to a larger size that can better handle increased runoff rates.

3. Improved Outlets

Another common spot for gutter system trouble is the outlet for the downspouts. If the water comes out too near the home, then water can pose a risk to the foundation. Downspout extenders that fold up when not in use are a good investment. If the issue is muddy areas at the base of the outlet, then you can have the spouts routed into an underground drain or you can have a gravel drain installed at the outlet location.

4. Shielded Gutters

The main maintenance needed for most gutters is clearing out the leaves, twigs, and other debris a couple of times a year. This can be time-consuming and dangerous, since it must be done from atop a ladder. There are a variety of different types of shields and screens on the market that cover the top of the gutters so water can run in but debris is kept out. The main maintenance task with these is using a broom on a long handle to sweep off the top of the guards periodically.

5. Better Fasteners

Certain types of gutter fasteners are more like to rust or break, which means you will have to replace them periodically. You can minimize this maintenance need by skipping the traditional bracket and strap fasteners. Instead, install hidden fasteners, which aren't nearly as exposed so they are less prone to damages.

Contact a rain gutter installation service if you need more guidance on designing a low-maintenance system.