Almost every home is equipped with rain gutters. These rain troughs or eave troughs, usually made of metal, hang below the eaves of your roof to catch rain (or melting snow) as it runs down your roof. The rain gutters collect the water, then direct the water to downspouts, and finally direct the water on to splash pads that sit on top of the ground. This system prevents water from running down the fascia board, from possibly wetting the outside walls of you house, from collecting on the ground near the foundation (maybe leaking into the basement where it can do further mischief), and dropping onto the ground, possibly starting an erosion ditch in your yard.

The majority of American homes are equipped with what are called K-style rain gutters. However, some older homes—or certain new homes where the architect or owner just preferred their appearance—are equipped with a different style of rain gutter, the half-round gutter.

Whether K-style or half-round, all rain gutters suffer from one kind of problem. They collect debris in the form of leaves, pine needles, acorns, tree blossoms, tree seeds, twigs, and other materials. Over time, the accumulated debris can block the gutter. This leads to a recurring item on your "honey, do" list of home maintenance—cleaning out the rain gutters. Depending on where you live, and how many trees you and your neighbors have, you may find yourself doing this task two, three, even four times a year.

Before long, you might find yourself wondering if there isn’t some way to avoid this task. Fortunately, there is—install some kind of a rain gutter protection system that will keep the debris out of your rain gutters. They come in a number of different types and styles including gutter guards, gutter covers, gutter screens, or gutter filters. K-style rain gutters are more popular than half-round gutters, and other kinds of gutter protection products are available for K-style gutters. Don’t mourn, however, if your house is equipped with half-round gutters; there are still options available to you. At GutterSupply.com there is a variety of types to choose from. Pictures of the many different types and styles are provided. Clicking on any product name or photo will give you information that is more detailed.

The half-round hinged gutter screen is a favorite, due to its added advantage of being easy to install. The hinged screen comes in 3-foot sections that are attached to the gutter with stainless steel clips. There are screens available that fit 5-inch or 6-inch half-round gutters. Screens are available made from aluminum, steel, or copper. The steel screens are the least expensive, starting around $1.36 per foot. Aluminum screens are a little more expensive, starting at $1.53 per foot. As usual, copper is the most expensive choice, starting at $4.84 per foot. Why a hinged cover? Because while the screen cover will keep most material out of the rain gutter, some small pieces of debris may still pass through the screen holes, or even get stuck in the screen itself. Therefore, you may still have to clean the gutters occasionally—but not very often.

Another option (one that reduces future gutter cleaning to near zero) is the GutterFill Gutter Filter. This is a durable, outdoor open cell foam made of polyether-polyurethane. The foam is shaped to fit the rain gutter. The top of the foam is level with the top of the gutter. Water flows freely through the foam. All the other stuff lands on top of the foam to be rinsed away by water or blown away by the wind. It is easy to install and is guaranteed for 20 years. The foam comes in four-foot sections that start at $5.70/foot for the 5-inch half-round gutter size. You can choose several other options, as well. These include a gutter guard call Gutta Guard. There is also a gutter cover product called Gutter Shingle that requires some modification for use with half-round rain gutters. Call GutterSupply.com for further details on exactly what is required and for current prices.

There is always the question of whether you want to want to climb up on a ladder and do it yourself or hire a contractor to do the work for you. If you are handy and able, you can save a few dollars by going the DIY route. On the other hand, if handyman work isn’t your cup of tea, or if you would just rather be watching the kids’ baseball or soccer league game, maybe a contractor will be your choice. In any case, GutterSupply.com can provide the information to help you select the right gutter protection product for your home.

Sock Woodruff is founder and partner of GutterSupply.com, the leading manufacturer and distributor of gutter supplies, gutter machines, gutter covers, and related tools and equipment.