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Gutter Covers FAQ’s


Do Gutter Covers Work? Yes, but like all things, not necessarily as expected or advertised. Properly designed gutter covers will keep most debris out of the gutters but will require some, more limited, maintenance. One design forces the water to flow over the top of the gutter and then follow a radius at the outside edge where the water, due to surface tension, follows the radius to empty back into the gutter. Debris does not follow the radius as easily and some debris drops over the outside edge of the gutter. Other system have channels, perforations, slots etc in the cover to allow water to drop into the gutter but leaves, pine needles and seeds cannot pass through the screens.
What kind of maintenance will need to be done? In our experience, there is no gutter cover design that will be maintenance free. The radius type "Never clean your gutters again" advertising is very misleading and not true. Here is a photo of a typical radiused type gutter guard system after a few years. In short, all designs will require some occasional cleaning but not nearly to the extent of unprotected gutters.
Can Covers be installed on all gutters? Not always Houses with uneven or out-of-level eaves could be difficult. Also, if your existing gutters are in poor shape or improperly hung, you may need to install new gutters prior to installing gutter covers. Our BSR representative will be happy to answer these questions.
Can gutter covers be installed on existing gutters? Yes, assuming you don't have a situation as explained in the paragraph above.
Are covers available in colors? Some manufacturers do have colors. The "Raindrop" gutter cover we prefer only comes in black but these covers typically are not visible from the ground due to their unique installation method. As a result, color is not an issue. Check with your BSR representative for other options available through us if color is important..
What kind of problems could I expect? Some gutter cover systems could increase the possibility of high velocity water in a heavy rainstorm flowing over the top of the gutters.
What cover system does BSR recommend? We have researched all available systems on the market today and have chosen the Raindrop Gutter Gurd System that follows the existing gutter line, not the eave of the roof. Most gutter guard systems require that the system be installed under the existing shingles. This eliminates the damage caused by lifting the existing shingles to install a new guard system. It also reduces the unattractive appearance should the gutters be significantly below the roof eave. This system is also very cost effective since some "franchise" type systems can be very expensive. Most significantly, the Raindrop system is significantly lower in price than "franchise" systems you've seen advertised.
How do I get an estimate for new gutter covers? Just contact us. Estimates are free. A BSR representative will be able to help answer any additional questions you may have

Do Gutter Covers Work?

Yes, but like all things, not necessarily as expected or advertised. Properly designed gutter covers will keep most debris out of the gutters but will require some, more limited, maintenance. One design forces the water to flow over the top of the gutter and then follow a radius at the outside edge where the water, due to surface tension, follows the radius to empty back into the gutter. Debris does not follow the radius as easily and some debris drops over the outside edge of the gutter. Other system have channels, perforations, slots etc in the cover to allow water to drop into the gutter but leaves, pine needles and seeds cannot pass through the screens.

What kind of maintenance will need to be done?

In our experience, there is no gutter cover design that will be maintenance free. The radius type "Never clean your gutters again" advertising is very misleading and not true. Here is a photo of a typical radiused type gutter guard system after a few years. In short, all designs will require some occasional cleaning but not nearly to the extent of unprotected gutters.

Can Covers be installed on all gutters?

Not always Houses with uneven or out-of-level eaves could be difficult. Also, if your existing gutters are in poor shape or improperly hung, you may need to install new gutters prior to installing gutter covers. Our BSR representative will be happy to answer these questions.

Can gutter covers be installed on existing gutters?

Yes, assuming you don't have a situation as explained in the paragraph above.

Are covers available in colors?

Some manufacturers do have colors. The "Raindrop" gutter cover we prefer only comes in black but these covers typically are not visible from the ground due to their unique installation method. As a result, color is not an issue. Check with your BSR representative for other options available through us if color is important..

What kind of problems could I expect?

Some gutter cover systems could increase the possibility of high velocity water in a heavy rainstorm flowing over the top of the gutters.

What cover system does BSR recommend?

We have researched all available systems on the market today and have chosen the Raindrop Gutter Gurd System that follows the existing gutter line, not the eave of the roof. Most gutter guard systems require that the system be installed under the existing shingles. This eliminates the damage caused by lifting the existing shingles to install a new guard system. It also reduces the unattractive appearance should the gutters be significantly below the roof eave. This system is also very cost effective since some "franchise" type systems can be very expensive.

Most significantly, the Raindrop system is significantly lower in price than "franchise" systems you've seen advertised.

How do I get an estimate for new gutter covers?

Just contact us. Estimates are free. A BSR representative will be able to help answer any additional questions you may have