I realize that no gutter system is completely fool-proof, but I like the ease of installation with this product. I also like the ability to quickly take a piece out and trouble-shoot a problem if necessary.
I also appreciate the fact that they are not screwed to my roof and gutter. Seems like a good low-tech solution.
Can anyone offer some experience with this stuff-or any other open-cell foam-type insert?
Replies
Good concept....but not so sure about longevity.
"Water flows through, leaves blow away....
They forgot to mention where all the tiny granules from the shingle roofs go. Just wondering.
Their FAQs mention the small granules from the shingles. Apparently the foam allows those to pass.
EXACTLY.....and after passing through the foam........they remain in the gutter, and build up year after year.
Also, if those +/- 1/8" granules will "pass through" the foam, how about dust, dirt, and pieces of leaves etc.
Don't get me wrong....it may be better than nothing, but every year when I clean leaves out of my gutters, if gives me a chance to inspect them, the roof, flashings etc.
The biggest danger w/ a "leaf free" system is that you stop the yearly inspections on everything above.
Personally I leaf blow my gutters. Gotta love a 5/12 pitch.
PS. Will really heavy rain (as in a storm, which is when most "water-in-the-darn-basement-again" problems raise their ugly heads) actually pass through the foam, which has leaves on top, and granules in it, fast enough not to run over the edge?
Just wondering......
Actually the website claims that the roof granules pass through the foam. Still, I am skeptical
I've been pretty pleased with some simple snap-on screens (from HD) I installed a couple of years ago. The back edge of the plastic screen slips under the shingles, and the front snaps onto the edge of the K gutter. Comes in 3-4 foot sections (don't recall which).
Only real problem I had with installation is that I had to notch the snap-on part around the ferrules.
They keep out leaves from two trees (birch and maple). The maple seeds do tend to lodge in the holes in the screen, but fall through and wash away after a few weeks. Probably wouldn't work too well with needles, though.
I've tried the rolls of metal or plastic screen in the past, but they would never lay flat and stay put.
happy?
Afletch,
I have installed a very similar product on 3 big jobs so far----and a couple of small ones---------also a part of my own house.
Frankly, it is now the ONLY gutter protection system I am willing to install for a customer.
I have been watching these projects carefully for 2 years now----and the stuff works as claimed.
If need be----and it hasn't needed to be done in 2 years-----but on a walkable roof you can always leaf blower off anything that doesn't blow off quickly enough for your tastes. Pine needles might be another story 'though.
Regaurding shingle granules------this should NOT be a factor at all. shingles generally shed some granules in the first year or so of a roofs life cycle----and then stay pretty stable untill the end of a roofs life cycle. Even during these time periods it would be pretty tough for a little shingle grit to clog a gutter.
the stuff IS a little pricey---- I pay about $8-10 per piece----a little less if I buy a case.------I think the stuff will probably last 10 years or so---which will save a lot of ladder climbing and foot traffic on shingles-----but I expect uv sun rays to eventually eat the stuff up.
Stephen
Well, I am now the proud owner of 240 feet of "Gutter Stuff." I will report back on installation and periodic updates on its performance.- - - - - - - - Devil is in the details. Or is that caulk?
What did you pay per foot?
Approx. 4.30 a foot- - - - - - - - Devil is in the details. Or is that caulk?
Ouch
no-ouch was the price from "gutter helmet": 18.75 per foot.- - - - - - - - Devil is in the details. Or is that caulk?
Here's what I just put in my gutters yesterday. http://www.flofree.com/index.htmBirth, school, work, death.....................
http://grantlogan.net/
greencu,
I have seen the stuff you showed on one job----and didn't much like it.
the stuff I have been using comes in 4 ft. sections----basically triangle shaped pieces of foam.
The nice thing is that on a new gutter install( aluminum)------- I can run the gutter off------ install the foam---and install the hidden hangers ------on the ground----it's all soooo light---then just trot it up the ladder and hang it.
the stuff I get fits k style gutters------ I am hoping to find some to fit half round gutters 'cause I have some half round copper gutters on my own house that could use it.
Stephen
I am hoping to find some to fit half round gutters 'cause I have some half round copper gutters on my own house that could use it.
That's what appealled to me about this. It works on HR gutters also, although I haven't tried it yet.
Birth, school, work, death.....................
http://grantlogan.net/
what I didn't like about it---( not my install you understand)
but---it fit under the front lip of the kstyle gutter fine------- but it had been zip screwed and caulked to the inside of the back of the gutter---which looked like a pain.-------- the mesh was more coarse than the stuff I am using---more likely to collect maple tree " helicopters"
Stephen