Gutter Cover Information
(Click image above for
more information)
Do Gutter Covers Work? -
Yes, but like all things, not necessarily perfectly.
Properly designed gutter covers will keep most debris out of the gutters but
will require some, but substantially 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 and
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 outside radius type systems still allow some debris
into the gutter which could, over time, block your downspout outlets. The
screen type covers can trap leave stems, needles and other debris in the
openings which, over time, can act as "thatching" which blocks water from
entering the openings and starts to allow water to run over the top of the
covers past the gutters. In short, all designs will require some
occasional cleaning but not to the extent of unprotected gutters.
Can Covers be installed on all gutters?
- NO! Houses with uneven or
out-of-level eaves will not allow gutters to be installed parallel to or close to the
roof edge. Gutters hung more that two inches below the roof edge make
installing gutter covers difficult. Also, gutters hung with straps or rods
that are supported by the roof make it difficult to install gutter guards.
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
other than white. Check with your contractor for color availability.
What cover system
does BSR recommend?
- We have researched all available systems on the market
today and have chosen the Waterfall Gutter Guard system that incorporates
the radius and the screen type systems which provides the advantages of each
system with fewer disadvantages. This system is also very cost effective
since most heavily advertised "franchise" type systems can be very expensive. Click
here or on the WaterFall logo above for more information
on BSR's recommended WaterFall gutter covers.
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.
