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opinion8
Citizen
Username: Opinion8
Post Number: 38
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 11:39 am: | 
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I know this board has discussed gutter leaf guards before but most of the posts seem to be people thinking about them or relaying third-hand information. I would really like to hear from some folks that actually have them on their home and have lived with them for a season or two. I'm considering installing "The Cover" by Rainmaster, Rainwater Management Systems. I have an issue with a nicely finished basement that takes on water ONLY if the gutters are clogged, never any other time. So I need to be sure that the gutters will not clog and that there will not be much spill-over during heavy rains. I have heard that some of these systems do allow a certain about of rain water to spill over the side during heavy down pours. How bad is it? Does anyone actually have leaf guards on their home and wish to advise? |
Darren Say Grrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 403
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 12:43 pm: |
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I have first hand knowledge after more that 7 years of system research and more than 5 years of involvement in the gutter cover industry. There is not a single system on the market today I could not tell you in detail about. That being said:
The type of system that "The Cover" by Rainmaster installs is something in our business called a reverse curve gutter protection system. Its called a reverse curve gutter protection because it relies on a solid piece of metal that covers the entire gutter and then the metal folds back under itself, almost looking like the letter "j" on its side. This type of gutter protection system was invented in the late 1800's. Yes, that's right, the 19th century. How the system works is by drawing water into your gutter by utilizing something called surface tension. An example of this they usually demonstrate is by taking a glass and putting it under a sink on its side under running water. The water doesn't bounce off but clings to the side of the glass and around the curve to the bottom.
In theory a reverse curve system would keep your gutter clean if and only if leaves and other wonderful springtime debris only came off your trees when it was dry and sunny out. However, anyone who's ever walked outside after a rainstorm knows that things come off trees in all weather. The problem with the reverse curves is that when it rains, they will draw debris into the gutter along with the water. This will still allow your gutter to clog. No matter what the sales person tells you, I have first hand pictures of systems clogging. If you want to see some, PL me.
Almost every large name gutter protection product comes with the same guarantee. They all say when it clogs, they'll come clean it. The question that really needs to be raised is if the system really worked, why would it require a service agreement to come clean out the clog?
Other problems with these solid cover is that they become a wonderful place for birds and bees to live. Heck, you're providing a nice dry area for them to build a nest.
As for spill over in heavy downpours, you should only see this in inside valley situations, or if you have a upper gutter that has a downspout that dumps onto a lower roof. There are ways to reduce the effects however inside valleys on homes can create the effect of more than 100 inches of rainfall an hour.
I have MasterShield on my home. I’ve had it now for more than 2 years in its latest form and I’ve opened up the system to see if anything’s inside and its clear. I know the system works. I have to. I manufacture it. Each of our dealers offers a full money back warranty if your gutter ever clogs. AND, if such clog caused water damage to your home we cover the first $1500 of your insurance deductible. We have to know the system works to be able to offer that type of warranty.
If you or anyone has any question about any product in gutter cover world, please feel free to private line me and I’ll be happy to answer it. You can see the system on our website at:
www.mastershield.com
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