Aluminum is a construction material that is resistant to fire. Avoid vinyl as a material of construction. It's also important that the surface be absolutely flat without any ridges that could trap debris. Then there are gutter inserts which likewise for two reasons are not candidates to prevent fires. One other consideration is that, in heavy debris conditions, the openings allowing the water to pass into the gutter from all gutter covers and gutter protectors will clog. Vinyl can easily melt and might burn.

With the either of the longitudinal fin types, cleaning the openings is very difficult and requires servicing from the installing company--someone to go up a ladder and pressure hose the openings.There are three basic designs to consider:1. Vertically louvered systems with one or more rows of louvers. The flat sloped surface makes it easy for tree debris to roll away or be blown away from the roof and onto the ground.

A sweeping forest fire can blown embers right into your gutter and light accumulated leaves and twigs which can destroy your home. Why? The answer is that with basic screens debris accumulates on top of the screen, dries, and is corrugated steel sheet easily lit afire.

The good news is that with the double row louvered system, the openings can be easily cleaned from the ground by the homeowner using a telescopic pole and brush that is long enough to reach the third floor of some homes. First, debris accumulates on top of them and secondly they are made of plastic which can easily melt and light any accumulated debris. Several gutter guards meet this criteria and cost wise they are all within a few dollars per foot of each other--none are cheap.