Gutter Clog Prevention

Sitting at the computer and watching the heavy rain come down, I can't help but realize how timely a recent email from Mr. Handyman is.
Since clogged gutters cause water to pool in the gutters, roof shingles often dip into the gutters. If the gutter fills with water, the water will wick up the shingle, getting between shingle and and the roof sheathing, and then wood rot can start.
At the very least, clean your gutters every fall before it starts raining.
The next level of protection are anti-clog devices you install in your gutters on the downspouts. They don't prevent the gutters from clogging per se, but do prevent the downspouts from getting clogged. Cleaning clogged gutters is easier than cleaning clogged downspouts. One type of these anti-clog devices is the Wedge downspout screen, but the ultimate in anti-clog devices is the RainTube gutter protection system. This mechanism is Green as it's made from recycled milk jugs. You install it in your gutters once, and your gutters never clog again. Even better, you avoid the possibility of water wicking under your roofing shingles...a very good thing.