The thing that makes fall so beautiful is the very thing that can create a nuisance for homeowners. Leaves the lovely red, orange and yellow foliage that entices us to take a leisurely drive to the country just to marvel in their beauty can wreak havoc with our home’s guttering system. As lovely as leaves are on the trees, in our garden and as fun as they are to romp in on an autumn afternoon, they inevitably get caught in the gutters.

Besides leaves, twigs, acorns, walnuts and seeds can collect in gutters and clog things, according to Mike Nieder, owner of Jayhawk Guttering, Inc.

“Once that gets in and gets wet, there’s not much chance of it getting out,” Nieder said. Searching for the right word, he merely said, “It turns into ‘gunk.'” The only way to clean the gutters is to flush them out, clearing out debris by hand.

“You definitely need to flush out the downspout and sweep,” Nieder said. “The first place gutters clog is the sweeps.”

Generally, the clog will break loose with a blast of water from the hose. More stubborn plugs can be pried apart by using a plumber’s snake or even a coat hanger. “In most cases, you shouldn’t have to take it (the gutter) apart,” Nieder said.

Use an extension ladder to reach the roof. (Review and follow safety precautions when using a ladder. Careless folks or those fearful of heights should not tackle this job.) Shovel out visible debris with a small scoop or with your gloved hands. Check the downspouts for material that has collected and scoop it out also. Once the gutter looks clear, rinse it with water from the hose, starting at the high end or middle of the run if the gutter has two downspouts.

“Make sure the gutters are draining,” Nieder cautioned. “If water puddles in them, they are not draining.” Poorly draining gutters may indicate that the house is settling, that the gutters are loose or that they have not been installed properly.

While you are up on the ladder, inspect the condition of the gutters and fasteners. Scrape away rust with a wire brush. Re-nail loose gutter spikes.

Chris Loman, who works for jayhawk guttering, places wet leaves in a bag after clearing them from a gutter.

“Gutter spikes can come loose from the weight of water and ice,” Nieder noted. Newer gutters use hidden hangers that screw into the rafter tails or fascia board.

If you prefer not to have to deal with this messy leaf problem every fall, leaf guard screens can prevent debris from accumulating in the gutters in the first place.

“This is an easy lock screen system that goes underneath the shingles to the front lip of the gutter,” Nieder explained.

For homeowners who prefer to tackle the job themselves, gutter helmets can be bought at a hardware store. Typically, these screens are sold in four-foot sections that snap into place along the top of the gutter.

“It’ll work with maintenance,” he said since wind and tree branches can dislodge them.

Carlos Lopez screws a screen into place to prevent leaves from gathering in gutters. Lopez works for Jayhawk Guttering.

Of course, the main purpose of house gutters is to drain off rainwater from the roof and direct it safely away from our home.

“Gutters prevent foundation problems,” Nieder noted.

Without gutters, water would create a drip line where it fell off the roof, allowing water to run back toward the house. Eventually, the water would saturate the ground. Then, the action of the freeze and thaw cycle on the accumulated water could damage the foundation of the house.

Gutters also protect all the wood surfaces of the house: the siding, doors and windows. Nieder said the constant rush of water off the roof against these wooden surfaces would eventually cause them to deteriorate.

Now is a great time to clean out the gutters. “Typically, you need to clean gutters twice a year,” Nieder said. “In the fall and in the spring.”

Carol Boncella is education coordinator at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and home and garden writer for the Journal-World.