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Gutters & Gutter Covers
Continuous Aluminum Gutters and Downspouts
This is the most common product used today. The gutter holds more water than traditional wood gutter, and this is the product, which is generally recommended. The one disadvantage of aluminum gutters is that they may tend to deform when a heavy ladder is leaned up against them. This is a minor shortcoming, which can be overcome by careful use of ladders.
When buying any metal gutters, choose the thickest you can afford - optimally .032 in. Though .027-, .025- and .019-in.-thick gutters are available, they won't hold up as well. When buying aluminum gutters, insist on primary aluminum, which is the thickest and most consistent kind. Avoid secondary aluminum, a recycled product that's often plagued by inconsistent thickness.
Sectional vs. Seamless
All gutters are either sectional or seamless (or continuous). Sectional gutters are sold in pieces and installed as component systems. All do-it-yourself gutter systems are sectional, though pros install these, too. The sections themselves can be over 20 ft. long each or cut to any size with a hacksaw. Snap-in-place connectors join gutter sections to each other and to downspouts. All sectional systems have end caps, corner pieces and drop outlets for connecting to downspouts. The drawback to sectional systems is that all those seams can eventually invite leaks. Seamless gutters won't leak at seams because there are none; sections join only at inside and outside corners and at downspout outlets. That's why they're the most popular configuration. Seamless gutters, made of aluminum, galvanized steel or copper, are extruded to custom lengths on site using a portable machine.
Sizes and Shapes
 
Most gutters come in several sizes and shapes called profiles. These include U shapes as well K configurations, in which the ogee-shaped front looks like the letter K. Gutter channels are available in 4-, 5- or 6-in. diameters; 5-in. Ks are the most common. You'll also find downspout choices that include 2X3-in. or 3X4-in. rectangular shapes, as well as 3- or 4-in. round pipes. Particularly in leafy areas, use larger downspouts, which minimize clogs.
Color
Sectional aluminum and steel gutters come in more than 25 different colors - ideal for matching trim and house colors. Gutter colors are baked on at the factory. Vinyl typically is brown or white; the latter color holds up better in intense sun. Copper is prized for its natural color and comes unpainted. If you like the look of copper but not the price, Alcoa sells a faux-copper gutter made of aluminum. Called Musket Brown, it sells for about $9 per linear foot installed.
| Aluminum Gutter Colors |
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Almond
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Clay
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Black
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Heritage Gray
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Cream
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Colonial Ivory
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Linen
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Musket Brown
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30° White
(Low Gloss)
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Federal Brown
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Rosewood
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80° White
(High Gloss)
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Forest Green
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Gutter Protectors
What is the fundamental job of a gutter protector? Being a gutter protector is pretty tough work--24 hours a day, 365 days a year, year in and year out, the gutter protector has to defend your gutter, in all kinds of weather and wind storm conditions, against an assault of leaves, blossoms, twigs, birds, squirrels, balls, toys, and so on.
However, there are some homes located under a canopy of trees--no daylight to be seen from late May to the end of November. It's these homeowners who would normally have to clean their gutters 5-to-6 times in the fall and another 3-to-4 times in the spring to keep their gutters clean and free flowing that find "suit and tie" maintenance a welcome alternative to cleaning gutters.
There are three basic designs for gutter protectors:
- Single vane type such as the helmet type.
- Single vane helmet type with built-in trough with sieve openings.
- Louvered systems.
All others (step and slotted filter types) fall in the category of screening systems and are not considered gutter protectors because their openings are predominately on the horizontal surface where debris is held by gravity and clogs the sieves or openings.
Leaf Guards
Reasonable and affordable, Leaf Guards eliminate clogged gutters which can lead to expensive home repairs, such as:
- Sagging Gutters
- Wet Walls
- Leaky and Cracked Foundations
- Flooded Basements
Leaf Guards eliminate one of the messiest jobs at your home, freeing up your time for more leisurely activities. Leaf Guards promote being cautious, as you will avoid dangerous ladder climbing to clean out clogs caused by leaves and debris. Leaf Guards offer a low profile, are pleasing to the eye and preserve your home's "curb appeal."
There are various types of leaf guards and below is a sampling:
- K-Guard Leaf Free gutter System. The Strongest, most-effective, trouble-free leaf free gutter system available, the K-Guard System’s attractive design enhances the look of any home. Installation of our product is performed by rain system professionals. This system does not require any "under shingle" hangers or straps that disturb or damage your existing roof materials. The solid hood design ensures that leaves will fall from the gutter system and not collect atop the gutter like certain mesh designs. Liquid adhesion, which is the attraction of water to solids, directs water into the gutter system, while keeping debris out of the system.
- PermaFlow. Considered by many to be the "Cadillac" of Leaf Guard products, Permaflow is highly effective and provides a distinctive "crown molding" Appearance when installed. Permaflow is an advanced design in leaf protection. The two super flow design channels will handle up to 10 inches rainfall per hour. The system slides under the shingle and locks onto the gutter. Made of UV protected pvc, to withstand the sun's harsh rays.
- Solid Cover Is considered to have a more sophisticated look, is ultra low profile and has exceptional leaf shedding qualities. Debris filters harmlessly off the roof while rain enters the specially designed drain channel. Solid Cover represents the next generation in "maintenance free" gutter hamlets. Engineered to handle the very extreme downpours. Solid Cover will drain 5 inches of rainfall each hour.
How do Gutter Protectors Differ?
They differ essentially in two different ways:
- How they interfit with the roofing or how they don't interfit with the roofing.
- How they get the water into the gutter.
Besides the Importance of the Product Catching Water You Will Definitely Want to Also Consider the Following:
- How it's connected to the roof. The last thing anyone would want to do is invest in a gutter protector to solve one problem and end up having other problems such as leaks in the roof.
- Birds getting into the gutter protectors.
- Clips that fail causing the gutter protector to collapse and fall into the gutter.
Gutter Umbrella®
ARE YOU STILL CLEANING YOUR GUTTERS?
Gutter Umbrella® is guaranteed to never clog again! Imagine - - no more dangerous ladders, no more risk of water damage to your home.
Our written, lifetime, transferrable clog-free warranty ensures that your purchase is entirely RISK-FREE! In fact, if they ever clog, we’ll clean them!
Gutter Umbrella® will naturally complement your roof line and add lasting beauty to your home. If you sell your home, our 100% transferrable warranty adds value to your investment - - and your sale price!
Gutter Umbrella® can be installed on new or existing gutter systems and is available in a variety of colors and copper.
Click here for the Gutter Umbrella web site.
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