Industry Information

The Gutter Protection Industry

Understanding who was responsible for creating the gutter guard protection industry and why all the choices claiming to be the solution have surfaced over the years is the question that needs to be answered. The toughest question to answer for all consumers is to make the right choice to permanently protect themselves, their home, and their family from the dangerous chore of cleaning gutters. We certainly understand how confusing this can be especially when every product makes their claim to be the best choice. While some products may be a viable choice, unfortunately some are just inferior.

Trying to introduce a product with unproven technology is not an easy task especially when the product hasn’t been in the market long enough to gain credibility and value.

How the industry started

The gutter protection industry was born in the 1960’s when MIT graduate Robert J. Demartini took his engineering degree and began the diligent process of searching for a permanent solution regarding the nasty chore of climbing ladders and cleaning gutters. Several years and a few modifications later he helped develop a solid aluminum product using technology that has proven to work successfully for over 27 years. Formally introduced in 1981, this technology exists on more homes in the United States today than all the competitive devices combined. Many of the patents applied to this revolutionary product still remain protected, however the main success of this invention called the nose forward design lost its patent right in 2001. Solid panel nose forward technology has performed more effectively than any other gutter device by eliminating the need for vertical openings, keeping gutters free of leaves, pine needles, and debris. Science then provides the natural occurrence of surface tension to the nose forward aluminum panel causing rainwater to “cling” around the nose and into the gutter. A winning combination!

Product manufacturers on occasion will try to poke holes in the truth…the truth is we are going to explain why holes in gutter protection devices just don’t work long term, and solid gutter cover technology is still the most efficient, effective, and affordable solution to eliminate clogged gutters and virtually remove gutter maintenance requirements forever.

How do Gutters Clog?

When leaves, pine needles, and debris fall from trees it occurs predominantly in spring and fall and usually happens on dry and somewhat windy days. When it rains, leaves, pine needles, and debris will also drop from trees but will be more likely to stick to the surface in which they come in contact with. For example, when leaves drop onto your roof when it rains, the leaves stick to the roof shingles and DO NOT follow the rain flow into your gutter. When the roof and leaves are dry, the leaves then have the opportunity to move into your unprotected gutter, and begin to create the effects of clogging. Claims by companies that market products with vertical openings say that leaves and debris will “follow” the rain flow across the solid cover panel, around the nose forward design, then into the gutter causing clogs. This simply is not true. When LEAFDEFLECTOR™ is installed, leaves that fall on a dry day will simply be “DEFLECTED” to the ground. When leaves dry after a rainfall, they will be blown across the solid surface of the panels and drop harmlessly to the ground. Any small particles that are able to enter the approx. 3/8” inch opening beneath the nose will simply be flushed through the gutter system and exit at the bottom of the downspout. Gutters are guaranteed to remain “free flowing” as stated in the warranty, thereby protecting your home from unnecessary water damage due to flow restriction caused by leaves and debris in the gutter.

The only way this type of system will clog is if the installation is faulty. For example, nose forward solid gutter cover systems can be installed over new or existing gutters. In the event it is retro fit (installed over existing gutters), there are several steps required before a solid gutter cover can be installed to work at 100% peak efficiency. If any of the required steps are neglected, then the product will not work as designed.

A thorough cleaning of all existing gutters and downspouts must occur before installation. Alignment and pitch of existing or new gutters needs to be accurate and gutter bracket connections using the fascia board or by roof hangers must be installed properly. All end caps and joints must be checked for leaks and sealed if necessary. It is apparent the preliminary installation work is just as essential to the performance of the product as the manufacturing process. In the event the servicing dealer does not install this product properly as described and to the specifications required by the manufacturer, it is certain that the product will not perform efficiently. Manufacturer’s specifications require the finished opening not be more than 3/8”. Quality control in the field is required by the servicing dealer which presents a challenge to all manufacturers that depend on independent retail facilities to sell and install their products.

A true story

A friend went to a reputable auto repair facility to have new tires mounted on his automobile. He decided on the brand of tire, size, and agreed to have them balanced as well as all the essential service that comes with a new tire installation. Upon completion, they went over the warranty information and pointed out some other potential repair considerations for his automobile in the future.

While driving home, he felt the car pulling slightly to one side and then it seemed to disappear. In the next few days he experienced the same feeling driving to and from work. He finally decided to bring the car back to the shop for an inspection to see if they could determine why the car was performing inconsistently, especially with four brand new tires. To everyone’s surprise at the facility, they realized that one of the tires was not the identical size to the other three, therefore explaining the inequity he was feeling when driving his automobile. It wasn’t the fault of the product that caused improper performance; it was the installation that proved to cause the performance failure. Of course the problem was easily resolved and he went on his way as a satisfied customer.

When a gutter protection device is not performing, the only remedy is to notify the installing dealer or manufacturer of the problem and give them the opportunity to resolve the issue and deliver on the service and performance promised in their warranty. When LEAFDEFLECTOR™ is properly installed, all claims to discredit nose forward design can be put to rest.

But why is it so important for vertical opening product manufacturers to discredit products that work?

Simple…There is a market for inexpensive devices that will initially add some protection but are not designed for long term use. Replacement and maintenance is a common occurrence when choosing this type of product.  The bottom line is “you get what you pay for”.

Competitive Products “The Hole Truth”
  
Testing many variations of products over a 25 year period has proven collectively that all products with vertical openings or reverse nose positioning eventually allow large portions of debris into the gutter and require periodic cleaning. Maintenance is also required to devices which lie flat over or in the rain gutter opening such as screens, microscopic membranes, sponges, etc. All of these devices require periodic maintenance and cleaning of their respective surfaces. Pollen can create an additional maintenance issue with microscopic membrane devices. The fact is maintenance free systems simply do not exist. The consumer only needs to do their due diligence and read disclosure information provided by gutter protection manufacturers. 

Screen devices are usually the least expensive due to the fact that they offer the least amount of long term performance. This type of device is usually available at your local hardware store or lumber depots. Devices that employ mesh membranes work more like a coffee filter, allowing water droplets to “filter” through while keeping debris out. While this type of system is highly effective at keeping the gutters clean, they also require maintenance. The micro mesh openings on these systems are so tiny that they are subject to clogging from things like tree pollen, dirt, and decomposing particles. Without regular maintenance rainwater will flow over the clogged surface area and spill to the ground. Sponge type devices use the porosity within the product to allow water to “filter” through. But what happens when the pores clog and deteriorate? Replacement will be required…again and again... After investing in these types of systems, the homeowner still finds themselves up on a ladder “cleaning the system” rather than the gutter itself. What has the homeowner really accomplished if they still have to climb a ladder?

Question: If the competition is misinforming you about our product and technology, could they be misinforming you about their product and technology?
 
Some systems with vertical openings experience problems supporting weight and dealing with snow and ice loads. Those made of PVC can sag and break in variable weather conditions. Most mesh systems are made of thin material (aluminum or plastic) which lack proper support to prevent the panel from “caving”. The mesh can also be torn by sharp falling objects and ice.

One piece gutter systems with stationary hoods also have their share of deficiencies. Often, plastic brackets are used to attach these systems to the home. Temperature fluctuations that cause expansion and contraction can cause this type of bracket to fail. One piece systems also carry the problem of replacement after incidental damage. For example: A home has a one piece gutter that measures 36 feet in length and is inadvertently damaged…ALL 36 feet must be replaced and can be a costly proposition.

Consumers need to examine several criteria when deciding on gutter protection devices and the companies that manufacture them.

• Industry Experience
• Company Experience
• Employee Experience
• Material Composition
• Performance Statistics
• Installing Dealer Credentials
• Installation Procedures
• Installation Quality
• Maintenance Requirements
• Warranty
• Cost vs. Value

Ultimately, the decision needs to be narrowed down to a few important choices. An affordable time tested product with proven technology that requires minimal maintenance (no ladder required), while offering a lifetime warranty.

The Product of Choice