gutter covers/screens

[David C. Macy]

If you were to recommend to a friend or install on your on home what gutter cover, screen would you advise or install?

I have experienced 2 types on my homes that are not very good.
Gutter Brush and Crane waterfall.

I like the simple metal screens that flip and clip and the aluminum/metal with lots of small holes. Most covers need maintenance and some are way to expense like gutter helmet and leaf guard.

The sponge types I feel are inferior as well, like the one on Nachi TV

Thanks for your opinions in advance

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

I have gutter covers like Leaf Guard. I get a lot of spill-over with heavy rains. Also, the splash guards at vallies get clogged with debris.

If you live in an area with pine trees, I wouldn't recommend the metal screens (too much maintenance). The pine needles always get trapped.

I'm beginning to think no guards are best, just pay someone to have them cleaned twice a year. I get leaves in the Fall and oak pollen tassles in the Spring .

[Jeffrey R. Wicklander]

No gutter guards will perform as they say they do....


Jeff

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

It all depends on the type of trees around the home. Here in WA we have a majority of Douglas fir and their small needles but we also have large leaf maples, alders and cottonwood.

Leaf Guard does nothing for fir needles. Waste of money. They just follow the water around the curve and into the gutter and since these things are permanently connected, the gutters are just about impossible to clean.

Leaf Filters are the micro fine stainless steel sieve type filter. Nothing gets through and they work better in this rainy climate.

Tried a section of the sponge type above my shed door. Clogged after a single winter. Full of algae and moss.

My choice: Leaf Filter.

[Bruce D. Pinel]

I only recommend things that I have first hand knowledge about. These have been on my house for 15 years. I have oaks, maples, white pine etc. around the house and have not cleaned gutters since. In fact, I think one of the consumer agencies gave them a high ranking.

[Jae Williams]

Originally Posted by bpinel

Attachment 40105

I only recommend things that I have first hand knowledge about. These have been on my house for 15 years. I have oaks, maples, white pine etc. around the house and have not cleaned gutters since. In fact, I think one of the consumer agencies gave them a high ranking.

Fine Homebuilding didn't think much of the total cover things, rather they liked the ones you have pictured.

This is taken from their report recently...

The results of gutter guard testing and evaluation appears in the September, 2010 issue of Fine Homebuilding and confirms what I have long suspected; simple gutter screens work better at keeping leaves out and letting water into the gutter than the solid gutter caps with louvers along the front edge that are typically installed by roofing contractors. Heavy rains, common in this area, may run over the gutter shield (rather than into it) onto the ground where it may “pool” and cause structural damage to the foundation.

When you compare the price—$20 to $30 per linear foot (installed) for the solid gutter caps against gutter screens that can be had for 30 cents per foot—it’s a no-brainer. Even if you hire someone to install an inexpensive gutter screen you can save thousands of dollars; plus the screens work better.

[Curtis M. Vilt]

None. I had a gutter machine with my construction business and found none work as well as cleaning your gutters once a year. Screens work as good as any I tried and are relatively cheap.

[Daniel Henderson]

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

mike holmes has his own gutter guard! Im sure its the best on the market!

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

See many on my inspections None that I want on my home .

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

I to have seen to many problems from installing gutter screens.
Maintenance free is not possible with gutters.

[Dominic J. Maricic]

Great timing as I need to take down mine and install new gutters. Thanks for the tips.

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Originally Posted by rcooke

See many on my inspections None that I want on my home .

I have yet to see any work effectively.
However....
Many Clients....

Comment to me
that gutter helmet is best
http://www.gutterhelmet.com/

Clients that have this system, praise this system to me

Those that have others....
generally complain about performance.

I have no personal experience...
just what clients tell me....

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Originally Posted by dhenderson

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

Mike Holmes has his own gutter grad in sure its the best on the market!

I have seen as I bet R.Cooke gutter guards that do not work.
Heavy rain they spill.
You sill have to clean out shingle granular
They clog with sleet
And tend to ice up if not cleaned out.
Just clean out after all the leaves are down and reset nails.

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Originally Posted by ryoung7

Just clean out after all the leaves are down and reset nails.

Common Sense
what a concept

[Curtis M. Vilt]

I looked into the Gutter Helmet when it came out as a franchise. For the price of that system you can have your gutters cleaned twice a year. lol