Gutter guard keeps debris out and allows full water flow

I had an offer to put up something called Flo-Free Leaf Guard, a nylon-mesh-type cover that goes on a gutter in an arched fashion, allowing water to go into the gutter unimpeded but preventing leaves and other debris from clogging the gutter. The company would install 170 feet of it for $900; there is a lifetime warranty. Do you know anything about this device and how it works?

ADOLPH WEEKS, Danvers

That nylon mesh is 3/4 of an inch thick, which makes it able to stand up to whatever nature will throw at it but still allows water to flow through it full tilt. The $900 for 165 to 170 feet of Leaf Guard in existing gutter comes to $5.30 a foot. That certainly is reasonable.

I bought a condo with all new appliances, all GE brands. When I ran the self-cleaning oven on clean, black and brown lines appeared on the door window. GE said it was normal and will happen several times. Also, the dishwasher makes a lot of rattles and shakes, loud enough to be heard in the next room. GE said the washer has no insulation and that I should put in the insulation myself. Is that right, or fair?

J.G., Newburyport

Here's what you can do: Don't use the self-cleaner again. And have an appliance store install insulation in that galloping dishwasher. You could also set the dishwasher on rubber pads to stabilize it and help reduce the shake, rattle, and roar.

The soffits (the eave overhang) in my raised ranch are a full 3 feet wide and have little holes in them for ventilation, but the soffits are the devil to keep paint on. I don't care for vinyl siding, but I was thinking of putting vinyl on the soffits. Would this work?

CAROL PARIS, Middleburg Heights, Ohio

That would be a good idea, but you must first increase the ventilation in the soffit. Those little holes are too small and too far apart (several feet?) to be effective. So cut a 3-inch-wide slot in the soffit, for its full length. Then you can put on a perforated vinyl cover. Do this on all soffits.

I have well water, which is potable and safe. A treatment company keeps encouraging me to put in a treatment to soften the water, which would cost $1,000 and require a lot of salt. I don't like the idea of using a lot of salt. We recently replaced our boiler and tankless water heater after 24 years of service. Would a water softener make that much difference in the life of a boiler and water heater?

J. SANBORN, Boxborough

A tankless heater usually lasts 20 years before reducing its hot water flow. I would say there is no need for a water softener, especially one that uses a lot of salt. If on occasion you need soft water, you could always rely on bottled water.

My old Caloric gas wall oven works well. Its door is a problem (one hinge broke). The gas company informed me that it cannot get a hinge and offered no suggestion on how to repair it. I still use the oven with difficulty and caution. Where do you think I could have that hinge replaced or repaired?

C.L., Framingham, by e-mail

First, check your local appliance dealer; he might have a parts department that could, maybe, have a hinge or know where one can be obtained. Also, check the Yellow Pages under Ranges & Ovens -- Dealers & Service, or Ranges & Ovens -- Supplies & Parts. Finally, take the hinge, or door if it cannot be removed, to a metal worker who might be able to build a replica or weld the two pieces together.

Check out the Handyman on Call column in the Sunday Real Estate section. The column will continue in the new Styles section on Thursdays.

Globe Handyman on Call Peter Hotton is available 1-6 p.m. Tuesdays to answer questions on house repair. Call 617-929-2930. Hotton also chats on line about house matters 2-3 p.m. Thursdays. To participate, go to Boston.com. Hotton's e-mail is photton@globe.com.