If your gutters are starting to fail and you aren't sure whether to repair them or just replace them with new gutters, here are answers to help you make the best decision.

How often should you clean gutters?

- annually, if you have a lot of trees, several times a year.

- at the minimum, they need to be checked and cleaned in the spring and fall.

What are the signs I need to repair or replace gutters?

- Look for leaks in corners, staining from water or overflow, or rust in steel gutters. They should hang level, so if your gutters are turning down more toward the front, something needs to be done.

- With galvanized steel gutters, you'll start seeing rust. If the gutters aren't secured well, they'll start sagging. Also, look for gutter joints pulling apart or overflowing during rain.

- If you see water coming out from behind the gutter, there's something wrong.

Gutter guards, screens or covers

- Screens don't work as well because of the fuzzies from oak trees in the spring. Gutter hoods are expensive, but they make your gutters zero to little maintenance.

- There are several different types, and pros recommend the one that's right for your situation like steel powder-coated mesh guards.

How long will new gutters last?

- stainless aluminum, and the materials come with a lifetime warranty. Keep them cleaned out, put leaf guards on, and get them adjusted from time to time. They may need to be raised or lowered.