Gutter gurus offer advice on how to prevent rainwater from running rampantly off your roof.

Indianapolis gutter experts

David Rhodes, owner of Weather Shield Inc., Indianapolis

Frank Fields,owner of Fields Gutter & Siding Inc., Pittsboro, Ind.

David Hazen, owner of David Hazen Inc., Carmel, Ind., davidhazen.com

How often should I clean my gutters?

Rhodes: At a minimum, twice a year in June and October.

Fields: Twice a year in spring and fall.

Hazen: The average homeowner cleans gutters twice a year, but people with heavily wooded lots may need to clean them four to eight times a year.

What are some indications my gutters need to be repaired or replaced?

Rhodes: If they look battered, have leaky seams or if the fasteners are pulling out. If you see water standing in the gutter after a cleaning, it's hanging incorrectly.

Fields: If they're sagging, leaking behind the gutter onto the fascia board, the downspouts are clogged, or if they just look bad.

Hazen: Steel gutters will rust, and if you see holes in the mulch or ground below the gutter, it's a sign that water is overflowing the gutters.

What's the average cost for repairs or replacement?

Rhodes: For an average 2,500-square-foot house, repairs usually don't exceed $800. New gutters will range from $1,000 to $1,600.

Fields: The average gutter replacement costs $500 to $700. Repairs usually start at around $195.

Hazen: The average cost for repairs is $100 to $225 per section. The average replacement cost should be $1,400 to $1,900.

How long should new gutter last?

Rhodes: As long as it's cleaned properly, a new aluminum gutter system shouldn't need any maintenance for 10 to 15 years.

Fields: The aluminum gutters we use have a lifetime warranty against the paint chipping or rusting.

Hazen: If they're aluminum and properly maintained, a lifetime. However, the paint will look faded after 15 to 20 years.

Do you recommend gutter covers, screens or guards?

Rhodes: We offer screens and covers, and your lot's foliage will determine which is best. You'll see a lot of info about covers being "maintenance-free," but all cover or screen systems require maintenance.

Fields: Yes, they do help a lot. There's still maintenance required: you still need to clean your gutters, but just not as often.

Hazen: If you're moving within seven years, or getting a new roof or gutters soon, it's cheaper just to clean the gutters twice a year.