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Gutter Covers
Thinking of purchasing a gutter guard system
to keep your gutters clean?
For over a decade I've been searching for a product that
performs as advertised and is within the financial means of most of my neighbors. What have I
learned?
Go straight to the Good News
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There are a few "High-Priced" systems on the market that perform as advertised as
long as you read the fine print. They can run you $3000-$4000 for installation. This price includes
the necessary 're-hanging' of your existing gutters. They claim that they will never
clog. The simple fact is that they've been around long enough now to enable a savvy
shopper the ability to find many reviews online. No names here because we do not want to offend
anyone. "In my experience, there is absolutely No System that eliminates ALL solids from entering
the gutters." There is only one way to clean a gutter with a solid, permanently fixed cover
attached, that is to remove it. At this level of pricing, a homeowner can easily afford regular
gutter cleaning. Lets see, at $120 charge, the $3000 install fee would pay
for over 25 years of service.
So is this type system a good investment? --Just something
to consider when shopping.
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Tired of This? Is there a product that REALLY WORKS and is REASONABLY
PRICED?
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I've tested numerous types thru the years on my customer's homes.
See what I've learned*
*This is a non-scientific study. No specific
brands are named or are implied by photos. Simple observations made from homes on the NJ shore
to the Pocono Region, PA. Viewed as a consumer as well as an installer
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All Gutter Guards do stop large leaves from entering the
gutter channel, but they also allow small organic debris to enter the gutter system or this debris
clogs the gutter guards causing water to cascade off the roof. Which defeats the purpose of the gutters to begin with? These pictures
depict common problems with high-tech style guards. They can become clogged and those pesky wasps just
love that warm, damp environment to nest. Below, note the blockage of pine needles and stains from the
obvious overflow.
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You've seen all these types in the local Home Store
I've removed all these from various homes
due to either improper installation of the solid-slotted type or simple failure due to the weight
of ice and snow damage as in the case of the screen types. Remember all gutters or guards
might need cleaning at one point or another*. So the Aluminum screen type (No. 4)
does have the clip on the front enabling the homeowner to raise the grill and clean the gutter. The
other types require sliding out the entire section from the shingle.
Note: Anytime you are performing any maintenance involving the shingle
you risk causing damage or a leak. Its a simple fact of life.
*Note: At least one very expensive brand includes a "FREE Cleaning" if they ever
clog.
Reality Check Here - they don't clog since most everything, including rainfall runs right over the
top of the gutter system.
From my experience, No 4 is the most practical but is not very
attractive. Gives a very irregular appearance from ground level and draws the viewers attention to
the gutters, exposing any irregularities.
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This is just an example of the newer "Filter" type guards on the
market. There are a few brands with slightly different shapes and made from
different materials. Manufacturers all claim the product material will hold up to
the sun's UV rays. Suggestion: if considering this type,
search the web for reviews of these product types. Most of these types are
apparently sold ONLY with installation. I found it near impossible to obtain
pricing on these product types. My personal concern with this type of
"Filter" is that the cells within the filter material would tend to
clog depending upon the type of trees (seeds) in your location. I cannot speak from
experience on this type since I have never seen it installed. I can only say that
the companies I attempted to contact would not supply prices or respond to my
online enquiries.
I would say that the appearance of this type would be excellent
since nothing is exposed above the gutter and nothing has to slip under the
existing shingle line.
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I
found a system that I will recommend........finally. I
only wish I had invented it - the GutterBrush Gutter
Guard
Affordable Protection at last!
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| Serving ALL
Monroe and Pike Counties, PA. Bushkill, Country
Club of Poconos, Dingmans Ferry, Estates at Great Bear,
Hemlock Farms, Marshalls Creek, Middle Smithfield
Township, Pine Ridge, Pocono Mountain Lake Estates,
Pocono Ranch Lands, Saw Creek Estates, Shawnee, Tamiment,
Winona Lakes, Wild Acres, Blue Mountain Lakes, Penn
Estates, East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, Mt Pocono and
Bucks County, PA. Quakertown, Doylestown, Buckingham,
Hellertown, Newtown, Riegelsville, Perkasie,
Chalfont
Pocono Real Estate Bicycle Parts and
Accessories House Painting
Business
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