“One of the most important pieces of equipment designed to protect your home is the rain gutter,” says Dave Catherman, owner of Gutterglove of Wisconsin. In concept, the job is very simple. Gutters help direct roof runoff away from the foundation of your house.Any water pooling at your home’s foundation can lead to soil erosion, rotted siding, create a breeding ground for mold and insects and lead to water in your basement.
GUTTER FACTS
In order for gutters to work properly, you have to keep them clean. Debris such as leaves, pine needles, twigs, bird’s nests, hornet’s nests and a wide array of other materials can limit your gutter’s effectiveness.
The reality with cleaning gutters is it is inherently unsafe.At Gutterglove,we pride ourselves in protecting homeowners from what can be an accident waiting to happen. Anyone who has spent time cleaning a gutter knows how dangerous it can be.
SOLUTIONS TO CONSIDER
The concept of covering the gutter system to keep debris out has been around for a number of years. Unfortunately, early designs, which are still on the market, don’t perform as well as newer designs and their related technology.
Traditional Designs — “Reverse Curve” designs are accepted in the market, but according to Catherman, have inherent design features which actually contribute to debris being deposited into the gutters. In other words, the rate of debris being deposited is reduced; however clogging still occurs because the “curve” angles directly into the gutter.
Contemporary Designs — Screen mesh designs introduced about five years ago are experiencing much greater success. Screen mesh designs perform better because they actually close any large opening to the gutter, virtually eliminating debris from gutters, and ultimately protecting your safety.
IS YOUR SYSTEM BUILT TO LAST?
“An important thing to remember when considering gutter covers,” Catherman notes, “is that all of the tests performed are with new equipment in controlled situations. It’s no surprise to me that every gutter cover tests well in terms of flow rates and general performance. However, to date, none of my customers have a home located inside a test facility. In the real world, the elements such as the sun (UV rays), cold, heat, leaves, twigs and other debris all work together to put strain on any system.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
No matter what system is selected, consumers still need a product that will maintain its integrity. If it doesn’t hold up in real conditions, it will not work as it’s designed. Tough components equate to long life and superior good performance. For example, with a screen mesh system, be sure to look for the following:
■ A frame that will last .Without a frame built to last, your system’s performance will decline over time.Anodized aluminum frames for example are hardened for longer life.
■ What is the mesh made of? Ours is made of heavy duty surgical steel to withstand rust and the affects of weathering.
■The quality of the mesh — or its dot pattern. If the holes let through anything larger than dust or water, you will eventually have problems.
■Your system must be completely sealed. Without being fastened and sealed, natural contraction and expansion with seasonal changes will create gaps and cause your system to fail.
“The process is simple. When your system performs as it was designed, it reduces the dangerous task of climbing and cleaning your gutters,” says Catherman. “Less ladder time translates into increased safety. When you select your gutter cover system, be sure of two things: first, the system will keep debris out of your gutters and secondly the system has the structural integrity to last a long time.”
No more gutter cleaning!