THE TRUTH ABOUT CLOG-FREE GUTTERS€¦ · • Clogged gutters contribute to the formation of ice...
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There is an alternative to frequent gutter cleaning—several, in fact. They're called gutter guards. These solutions do exactly what their name implies—guard gutters and downspouts from leaves and debris. Some models attach to your existing gutters, while others completely replace your current gutter system. All of them, to varying degrees, reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning and maintaining your gutters. Gutters are no fair-weather friends. On the contrary, these hardworking features protect your home on rainy days by channeling away water and reducing the risk of serious problems like mold, pests, and flooding. The bad news is that in order to do their job properly, gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year. Read on to learn about the risks associated with clogged gutters. THE TRUTH ABOUT CLOG-FREE GUTTERS GUTTER GUARDS Gutters are designed to collect storm water and carry it a safe distance away from the house. When clogs compromise the ability of the gutter system to do this, water can wreak havoc on many parts of the home that were never intended to withstand exposure to excess moisture. These are just some of the many potential consequences of clogged gutters: • Gutter discharge falls to the foundation, eroding the soil and threatening nearby landscaping. • Rain freezes on paved areas, creating a safety hazard on high-traffic driveways and paths. • Clogged gutters contribute to the formation of ice dams, which can ultimately lead to leaks. • Storm water sops over the top of clogged gutters, leading to rot along and under the roofline. • The weight of a clogged section pulls down a gutter, in the process damaging the fascia board. • Storm water cascades over the siding, and the excess moisture causes exterior paint to peel. • Standing water in clogged gutters becomes both a beacon and a breeding ground for pests. • The saturated soil around the home presses against the foundation, causing cracks and gaps. • Moisture near the foundation intrudes into the basement, giving rise to mold and mildew. DANGERS OF CLOGGED GUTTERS Ladder injuries are linked to between 200 and 300 deaths and an estimated 200,000 emergency-room visits each year. Watch your step! • Working near electrical lines? Use a sturdy Type 1A extension ladder made of fiberglass. • Set the ladder at an angle of 75 degrees and extend it three feet beyond the roof edge. • For balance, be sure to face the ladder at all times when ascending or descending. • Never go beyond the uppermost step recommended for safe use of your chosen ladder. • Important! When standing on a raised ladder, never reach more than a foot to either side. STAY SAFE! TO AVOID CLIMBING LADDERS WHENEVER POSSIBLE, CONSIDER HIRING A PROFESSIONAL TO CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS OR INSTALL ANY LEAF PROTECTION SYSTEM. LADDER SAFETY
Transcript of THE TRUTH ABOUT CLOG-FREE GUTTERS€¦ · • Clogged gutters contribute to the formation of ice...
There is an alternative to frequent gutter cleaning—several, in fact. They're called gutter guards. These solutions do
exactly what their name implies—guard gutters and downspouts from leaves and debris. Some models attach to your
existing gutters, while others completely replace your current gutter system. All of them, to varying degrees, reduce
the amount of time you spend cleaning and maintaining your gutters.
Gutters are no fair-weather friends. On the contrary, these hardworking features protect your home on rainy days by channeling away
water and reducing the risk of serious problems like mold, pests, and flooding. The bad news is that in order to do their job properly,
gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year. Read on to learn about the risks associated with clogged gutters.
T H E T R U T H A B O U T
CLOG-FREE GUTTERS
G U T T E R G U A R D S
Gutters are designed to collect storm water and carry it a safe distance away from the house. When clogs compromise the ability of the gutter system to do this, water can wreak havoc on many parts of the home that were never intended to withstand exposure to excess moisture. These are just some of the many potential consequences of clogged gutters:
• Gutter discharge falls to the foundation, eroding the soil and threatening nearby landscaping.
• Rain freezes on paved areas, creating a safety hazard on high-traffic driveways and paths.
• Clogged gutters contribute to the formation of ice dams, which can ultimately lead to leaks.
• Storm water sops over the top of clogged gutters, leading to rot along and under the roofline.
• The weight of a clogged section pulls down a gutter, in the process damaging the fascia board.
• Storm water cascades over the siding, and the excess moisture causes exterior paint to peel.
• Standing water in clogged gutters becomes both a beacon and a breeding ground for pests.
• The saturated soil around the home presses against the foundation, causing cracks and gaps.
• Moisture near the foundation intrudes into the basement, giving rise to mold and mildew.
DANGERSOF
CLOGGED GUTTERS
Ladder injuries are linked to between 200 and 300 deaths and an estimated 200,000 emergency-room visits each year. Watch your step!
• Working near electrical lines? Use a sturdy Type 1A extension ladder made of fiberglass.
• Set the ladder at an angle of 75 degrees and extend it three feet beyond the roof edge.
• For balance, be sure to face the ladder at all times when ascending or descending.
• Never go beyond the uppermost step recommended for safe use of your chosen ladder.
• Important! When standing on a raised ladder, never reach more than a foot to either side.
STAY SAFE! TO AVOID CLIMBING LADDERS WHENEVER POSSIBLE, CONSIDER HIRING A PROFESSIONAL TO CLEAN YOUR GUTTERSOR INSTALL ANY LEAF PROTECTION SYSTEM.
LADDER SAFETY
T O DAY ' S
GUTTER GUARD O P T I O N S
LEAFGUARD
GUTTER HELMET
GUTTERTOPPER
LEAFFILTER
REVERSE CURVESURFACE TENSION
(TOPPERS)
These aluminum guards attach to the top of gutters to keep out debris, allowing rain water to travel along the curved surface of the guards and into the gutter. Installation may void roof warranty; check yours before installing.
• Prevents large and small debris from entering gutters
• Pro installation
• Requires some maintenance
BRUSH
A series of long, cylindrical brushes are placed inside gutters. They allow water to pass through but keep out debris.
• Prevents large debris from entering gutters
• DIY installation
• Requires maintenance to clear brushes
FOAM
Large sponge-like inserts are installed into the tops of gutters. Rain soaks through the foam, and flows through the gutters, while debris collects on top.
• Prevents large and small debris from entering gutters
• DIY installation
• Requires maintenance to clear foam inserts
SCREEN
These metal gutter guards attach to your existing gutters. Debris falls on the screens rather than in the gutter, ensuring proper water flow.
• Prevents large debris from entering gutters
• DIY installation
• Requires maintenance to clear screens
SURFACE-TENSION SYSTEMS Basic Info: A surface-tension system features a solid hood that blocks everything but water. Rain clings to the hood, traveling around its curved lip, before falling into the gutter.
The Verdict: The best you can get, surface-tension systems stand out for their ability to effectively shed both large (leaves, twigs) and small (seeds, blossoms, pine needles) debris.
Choose Wisely: While some surface-tension systems can fail in a heavy downpour, others can handle up to 32 inches of precipitation per hour—three times the U.S. rainfall record.
Maintenance Matters: To function properly, other options require regular care. Only surface-tension systems deliver on the essential get-it-and-forget-it promise of gutter protection.
DESIGN
One-Piece System
Add-On Cover
Add-On Cover
Add-On Screen
SEAMLESS
Yes
No, installed in sections
No, installed in sections
No, installed in sections
BACKED BY THEGOOD HOUSEKEEPING
SEAL
Yes
No
No
No
RAINFALL
32 Inches/Hr
22 Inches/Hr
22 Inches/Hr
Not Available
REVERSE CURVESURFACE TENSION(ONE-PIECE SYSTEM)
This aluminum one-piece system is a gutter and cover formed in one continuous piece that keeps out leaves, twigs, and other debris while allowing rainwater to flow around the curved surface and into the gutter. Will not void roof warranty.
• Prevents large and small debris from entering gutters
• Pro installation
• Requires minimal maintenance
PENETRATESROOF ORSHINGLES
No
Yes
Yes
No
NON-SCRATCHPAINT FINISH
Yes
No
No
N/A
