Dear Glenn: I live in a house that has a lot of trees around it. I had screens on the gutters when I bought the house, and I had a lot of ice damming. We had the roof replaced, and the roofer told me to get rid of them, and just get the gutters cleaned. After cleaning the gutters once, I don't want to do that any more. Which system do you recommend?

Tom, Troy

Dear Tom: There is no product that I really recommend. That said, you might want to investigate the Gutter Brush, (888) 397-9433, www.thegutterbrush.com. Since it is a brush, water goes through it like it wasn't even there. It completely fills the gutter, so leaves can't get in. It is also very easy to install and remove when the gutter needs cleaning. All gutters eventually need cleaning, no matter what the gutter protection system is.

Dear Glenn: I need advice on the Aprilaire humidifier No. 400. It does not put out enough humidity. I have a 2,650-square-foot, two-story, six-year-old home. I have a 90-plus furnace and approximately R-48 insulation in the attic. I've had this humidifier for a few years and have never been happy with it. The installer put it on the cold water line, and last winter I changed it to the hot water line with no change.

Terry, Harrison Township

Dear Terry: Don't blame the Aprilaire humidifier. The reason why you did not notice any effect when you switched from cold to hot water is because the furnace is sabotaging the humidifier. Most furnaces are too large. The higher the BTUs of the furnace, the shorter the run time. The shorter the run time, the less time your humidifier has to work. You've done everything you can do. I suggest you turn your problem over to Joe Hlavacek, product manager for Aprilaire.

Dear Glenn: I need input on whether we should consider a good exterior paint over the current solid stain. Limited colors and life are a concern.

Doug, Plymouth

Dear Doug: After staining a couple of times, it is usually a good idea to paint. Pick a top-of-the-line paint, and make sure your prep is very thorough.

Dear Glenn: We are on well water, and this summer our sprinklers were hitting the brick on our house, and we didn't realize it until one day when I noticed the brick looked different. We checked the sprinkler, and sure enough it was hitting that area. Do you have any suggestions?

Cindy, Roscommon

Dear Cindy: Whink Rust & Iron Stain Remover, (800) 247-5102, www.whink.com, will economically clean a large area. You can get it at Meijer and many hardware stores or direct from the company.

Vern, Sandia Park, NM

Dear Vern: I would NOT seal the flagstone, ever. Keep it clean using oxygen-based cleaners such as Oxi Out by Oxi Brands, (800) 745-5186, www.oxibrands.

com.