Evergreen pines are popular in many landscaping designs. They can grow in various soil types and withstand urban pollution, making them a popular choice among homeowners.
However, the presence of these astonishing trees comes with a cost, as the pine needles fall off in the fall and can block your gutter system.
If you want to know how to keep pine needles out of gutters, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you about the best way to protect your gutter system from blockages to keep it functioning, so let’s dive in.
How to Keep Pine Needles Out of Gutters
Many homeowners choose to grow pine trees on their properties because they’re easy to plant and can survive in less-than-perfect conditions. In addition, they provide food to several wildlife forms.
However, dealing with pine needles can be a problem. Although many homeowners use pine needles to create mulch that protects plants from weeds and encourages their healthy growth, these needles can cause significant damage to your gutter system.
Pine needles will pass through the gutters’ openings. Then, when the water is fast enough, these needles will pass through the downspouts, and the system won’t be clogged.
However, the accumulation of pine needles, twigs, and other debris can lead to the formation of large masses.
Unfortunately, neglecting the accumulation of pine needles in your gutter system will lead to an overflow which results in water damage. It can also damage your downspouts and cause leaks.
This is why it’s crucial to keep your gutter system pine needle-free by following these tips.
Trim Pine Trees
This is the easiest way to prevent pine needles from accumulating inside your gutter system and affecting its function.
Pine needles can live for up to seven years before drying out and falling off the tree. They fall off in the fall, so you should trim your trees before they do.
Trim the low or overhanging branches because these are the most likely to drop their pine needles and clog your system. Pruning pine trees keeps them healthy and encourages new growth.
Install Gutter Guards
Installing guards is the best way to keep pine needles and other debris like rocks and leaves away from your gutter system.
Guards have small openings that allow the runoff water to pass through. At the same time, they can block solid objects that accumulate inside the system, especially around the joints and elbow.
The presence of these objects inside your gutter system might not immediately cause damage. Nevertheless, over time, the debris can form large masses that block water and prevent it from passing through.
Moreover, these objects will lead to the formation of ice dams that lead to the accumulation of water on top of your roof.
Clean Gutters
Cleaning your gutters should be part of your routine maintenance system. You’ll be able to remove any objects that block the downspouts, including pine needles.
There are multiple ways to clean your gutters, but some are dangerous. For example, standing on a ladder to clean your gutter system isn’t something you want to do alone because you might easily slip and fall while carrying your cleaning tools.
So, if you don’t want to trip while holding a cleaning hose to remove any clogged pine needles, you can attach a gutter cleaning wand to a water hose.
Using a pressurized tool will help remove any blockages before they get bigger and cause any leaks or damage to your gutter system.
What Happens When You Don’t Remove Pine Needles From Your Gutters?
Pine needles and other debris can accumulate inside your gutters and cause the following.
- Water will pool on top of your roof.
- The runoff water will overflow.
- Downspouts will be pulled away from the house.
- Roof and wall damage might happen.
- Your house’s foundations will be damaged.
- The buildup of debris like twigs and branches can increase the fire risk.
- Your basement might flood.
Do Gutter Guards Work With Pine Needles?
Gutter guards will prevent pine needles from blocking your gutter system. Nevertheless, you must choose the proper gutter guards to keep them away from the gutters.
Here are some factors to consider while choosing guards for your system.
Type
Mico-mesh guards are the best because they have tiny openings that don’t allow pine needles to pass through.
Although mesh and reverse curve guards might also work, they’re less potent than the micro-mesh ones at blocking pine needles.
Material
Plastic and metal gutter guards will work and prevent pine needles from falling into the downspouts.
Metal gutters can be made of aluminum or steel, and they’re durable. They don’t corrode and won’t break or warp.
Plastic guards are affordable but less durable as they can crack and break. Foam guards won’t work because they’re susceptible to mold growth.
Design
The angle at which your gutters are installed will affect how efficient they are at blocking pine needles. Flatter guards will hold pine needles at the openings, while they can easily fall through an angled gutter guard.
Guards should have openings that measure about half an inch. Since most pine needles measure between three and five inches, these small openings won’t allow them to pass through.
Maintenance
After investing in high-quality gutter guards, you should maintain them regularly. This involves cleaning them and removing any debris that might accumulate at the openings.
Final Thoughts
Pine needles can accumulate inside your gutter system, causing blockages. These blockages won’t allow runoff water to pass through and can cause ice buildup inside your system.
Trimming nearby pine trees is essential to prevent pine needles from accumulating inside your system. You should also install gutter guards and clean the system regularly.
But it’s crucial to choose the proper guards to block pine needles. Micro-mesh gutter guards are the best because they have tiny openings that only allow runoff water to pass through.
You should also ensure you’ve picked durable metal guards and clean them regularly to prevent pine needles from blocking the system.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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