I get the worry about debris screens just shifting the problem, but honestly, I’ve had better luck with a simple screen than with cup chains in my area (lots of pine needles). The screen’s easier to swap out and cheaper than replacing clogged cups. Not perfect, but for tight budgets, it’s worked out.
The screen’s easier to swap out and cheaper than replacing clogged cups. Not perfect, but for tight budgets, it’s worked out.
I hear you on the budget side. I tried cup chains last year—looked great at first, but with all the fir needles around here, they clogged up fast. Ended up spending more time cleaning them than I ever did with the old downspout. Switched to a basic mesh screen and a link chain setup. Not fancy, but it’s way easier to just pull the screen and shake it out every couple weeks. If you’re dealing with a lot of tree debris, simple really is better sometimes.
Switched to a basic mesh screen and a link chain setup. Not fancy, but it’s way easier to just pull the screen and shake it out every couple weeks.
That’s pretty much where I landed too. Tried those fancy cup chains for the “look,” but after one windy fall, I was up on the ladder every Saturday fishing out pine needles. The link style isn’t as pretty, but it’s less of a pain. For anyone with trees nearby, I’d say don’t overthink it—simple usually wins when you’re cleaning gutters in the rain.
The link style isn’t as pretty, but it’s less of a pain.
That’s been my experience too. I’ve managed a few properties with mature oaks nearby, and cup chains just turn into leaf traps. Link chains might not win any design awards, but they’re way less hassle to keep clear. If you’re dealing with heavy debris, aesthetics really take a back seat to function.
I was all about the cup style at first—thought they looked way cooler, honestly. But after just one fall, I was out there with a stick every other week trying to poke out soggy leaves and acorns. Not exactly the low-maintenance vibe I was hoping for. The link chains aren’t as “Pinterest-worthy,” but they don’t get clogged nearly as much.
I guess if you’ve got trees anywhere near your gutters, it’s kind of a no-brainer. I will say, though, the cup ones do a better job of slowing down the water so it doesn’t splash everywhere at the bottom. If you’ve got a spot where debris isn’t a big deal, maybe they’re worth it? But yeah, for me, function wins. I’d rather spend my weekends doing literally anything else than cleaning out rain chains...
