Do Gutter Protectors Really Work?

If you’re ready for no clog gutters, you’ve probably begun researching gutter protection. With so many different types to choose from, it can get a little overwhelming. One of the biggest questions we hear from homeowner is, “Do gutter protectors really work?” Well, here are a few things to consider when shopping for you new gutter protection system.

Does the system have any holes, gaps, channels, or openings in its design?

The first thing you’ll want to look for are features on the product that could allow any debris, big or small, inside your gutters. You won’t be able to achieve no clog gutters if your system isn’t fully enclosed. Some systems claim to work on a principle called surface tension. This means that water will adhere to the gutter topper, and flow into the gutters while debris sheds off the side. Unfortunately, debris can also adhere to the gutter topper, meaning it will find its way inside the gutter instead of being shed.

With LeafFilter, your gutter covers will act like a lid on a box. The patented micro mesh design allows absolutely nothing but water into your gutters. Not even a grain of sand. By choosing LeafFilter, you’ll have no clog gutters for life, guaranteed.

Is the system made from durable materials?

Often, DIY gutter covers are made of flimsy plastic or metal. Think of this as typical Home Depot gutter guards that you can screen into your existing gutters. These Home Depot gutter guards may be cost effective, but with one good gust of wind, these DIY products will end up in a neighbor’s yard. For this reason, we like to call them “neighbor guard.”

High quality gutter screens like LeafFilter are made of surgical grade stainless steel and heavy duty vinyl. These materials will withstand the test of time, so you can count on them to protect your gutters for the lifetime of your home. The best part is, nothing adheres to surgical grade stainless steel. This is the same material heart stents are made of. Why trust anything else?

Does the system affect the pitch or alignment of your gutters?

An important factor to consider when choosing a new gutter guard system is the angle of the product. Based off of the angle, rainwater may easily flow into your gutters, or it could overshoot them completely. Gutter experts have determined that an 11 degree angle is the optimal pitch for gutter protection, which is why the LeafFilter system is aligned to meet those needs.

If you choose a gutter cover that installs under your shingles, the angle of the product will be too steep. These won’t allow water to enter your gutters. Instead, you’ll have runoff issues when it rains.

Does the system disturb your roof or shingles?

Improper pitch isn’t the only issue with gutter covers that install under your shingles. The whole point of installing gutter protection is to save money on gutter cleaning and costly repairs due to the damages of clogged gutters, right? Well, if your gutter guards install under your roof or shingles, you might be facing an even bigger cost down the road.

Any system that requires the installer to lift the shingles or secure the product by drilling, nailing, or gluing into your roof is going to cause problems. These actions can void or severely limit your roofing warranty. This means that any roof repairs you may need down the line will come out of pocket, even if they have nothing to do with the way the gutter protectors were installed.

A system that installs directly on top of your existing gutters, like LeafFilter, will prevent these issues. Whatever you decide, make sure you aren’t going to cause any unintentional problems for your home, or it defeats the purpose of installing gutter guards in the first place.

So, do gutter protectors really work? With LeafFilter, you’ll find the answer to your question is a resounding, “Yes!” However, certain features of other gutter cover systems may allow debris to enter your gutters, rainwater to runoff your roof, and compounding home disasters down the line. With careful consideration of each of the four features we talked about, you’re guaranteed to have no clog gutters for the lifetime of your home.