A helpful video. Thanks for putting it up!

thats another great upload, I cant wait to see more like this

How did the GutterRx perf. work with leaves and maple spinners?

Snow on the roof will melt onto a gutter guard where it will refreeze because it's on the eave. When does melt you get icicles. When it does melt you get drips. Over you door ways. onto your porch, stoop or sidewalk where it will freeze again. They probably will work great over an unheated garage or shed. Or where it never snows.

@gutterguardsdirect

Жыл бұрын

The primary purpose of gutter guards is to keep leaves and debris out of gutters. In certain regions of the United States, we get snow. Instead of snow building up inside covered gutters, it'll now build up on top of the gutter guards. We've written several blog stories on this phenomenon at www.gutterguardsdirect.com. One of the trade-offs for keeping folks off their ladders is that they may see some icicles. While it can be a nuisance in front of a door or at the entrance to a garage, knocking down the icicles and putting out salt is an easy fix to a short-term problem.

Just a thought! I would think the more water runs off in the winter (forming icicle's), the LESS water/ice is frozen INSIDE the gutter, which means LESS weight/pressure on the gutter which means LESS sagging. Am I wrong?

@gutterguardsdirect

Жыл бұрын

Yes, icicles would form when water rolls off the front edge of the gutters and refreezes. This tends to freak out folks who have never seen icicles form from their gutters. It actually does reduce the weight load on the gutter system, and would be easy to knock down with a stick or broom if they're in the way. Unless you're in a cold region where icicles could form and stick around for months, they'll likely melt quickly and be no harm to anyone.

I see all of these prefabricated gutter guards manufactured by brand name companies which is fine I guess. You can buy hardware cloth (galvanized steel mesh) with 1/8”, 1/4” and 1/2” spacing that is far cheaper. Just buy a roll, cut strips 3’ x 6”, tuck one side under the shingles and secure the other side to the edge of the gutter with screws. Easy, cheap and effective. I used 1/4” myself works great.

@gutterguardsdirect

7 ай бұрын

That's great that it worked for you. Not everybody is as handy or capable or has the time and inclination to do-it-yourself. There are plenty of DIY gutter guards on the market that can be had for little money, but the trick is finding a solution that works best for your environment. It's good to know that ole' fashioned ingenuity is alive and well. Thanks for sharing.

Highly recommend attic ventilation assessment, in combination with attic insulation depth per your region. Gutters are mounted to facia boards. Wood being the best insulator. If the home heat escapes too fast to attic, peak thaws, the quickest. With the right amount both 'vent. & insul' you prolong the thaw let the wind take the drifts and topside snow. Gutters always freeze due to exposure by metal and thermal barrier of Wood mount to home. Slow the process...

@gutterguardsdirect

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips!

Black gutter guard absorbs sun light and retains heat which melts snow. I prefer little bit thicker black gutter guard to hold snow weight.

@gutterguardsdirect

2 жыл бұрын

That's a fair point, Ken.

@hudsonhousejournal7063

Жыл бұрын

Test the falling crab apples, ice sheets and the worst - falling walnuts! Mine fall hard from 75 feet up right above the house. Only the RAINDROP black plastic had been tough enough to take repeated beatings without damage or collapse. The thick black plastic gets warm in full sun and melts snow and ice. It's not a screen so some debris gets through. But who cares? Anything that small washes right down the drain pipe! Get RAIN DROP GUTTER GUARDS!

Great. I haven't even gotten to winter yet and my LeafFilter system already sucks. Looking forward to those ice dams! LeafFilter overflow in action - Fail

@beckysartor

9 ай бұрын

I can say I wouldn't recommend Lead Filter to anyone. They lie about the product and are big time scammers.

You need a snow brush or rake. The snow will lay on any gutter cover and when it begins to melt much of melt will run over the gutters and create those great ice cycles. A snow brush or rake gives you the ability to brush or rake the snow off of the portion of the roof at the gutter. Then when you get a warm spell there is no snow on the gutter cover and the water can run into the gutter. No ice cycles.

@gutterguardsdirect

3 жыл бұрын

Good point, George. It sounds like you live in a climate where a snow rake is standard issue. In many parts of the country, there's not enough snow or ice or bad weather to warrant raking or shoveling off the roof and gutters. But icicles can form with even the slightest of snow and ice events. In some areas, icicles don't bother anyone, but in regions where it's less common, it can really bother people, especially over doorways, driveways and foot paths.

What about systems like Guttershell and Englert Leafeguard? Any thoughts about them?

p.s. I have micro mesh, 2ft insulation , Mid Atlantic. Lots of heavy wet ice and snow--- No problem. If you are Great lake type area , assessment is worth weight in gold.

@gutterguardsdirect

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, Kevin. It's good to know that insulation has helped in your case.

I went with Leafilter. Excellent for clogged gutters. I live in the Mt. Pocono area so I have more issues with pine needles and leaves and I have had it for over a year and never had a clog. A little more pricey but worth it

@hudsonhousejournal7063

Жыл бұрын

Test the falling crab apples, ice sheets and the worst - falling walnuts! Mine fall hard from 75 feet up right above the house. Only the RAINDROP black plastic had been tough enough to take repeated beatings without damage or collapse. The thick black plastic gets warm in full sun and melts snow and ice. It's not a screen so some debris gets through. But who cares? Anything that small washes right down the drain pipe! Get RAIN DROP GUTTER GUARDS!

Go with a metal roof and run the heat cables down the valley's and into the gutters and then down into the down spouts. After 25 years replace metal roofing screw seals and your good to go for another 25 years. And remember if your wife no longer finds you handsome at leased she can find you handy.

@gutterguardsdirect

3 жыл бұрын

On a percentage basis, few people have metal roofs. While you have a good idea, it's also quite an investment installing heat cables and electric outlets strong enough to power the cables. Depending on where you live, heat cables may have minimal benefit because the amount of heat they produce tends to be fairly concentrated. I agree that running them through your gutters is probably the best way to heat the cavity to keep water flowing, but I'm not sure that alone would melt the snow and ice that accumulates on top of the gutter guards. You can learn more about ice, snow and ice dams by reading a few articles we've written at www.gutterguardsdirect.com/?s=icicles.

Everything Freezes at 32 degrees!

What does everyone think would be the best out of this video and also if you live in a area where it snows and gets rain should you still go under the roof or just like staple the guards on top?

@gutterguardsdirect

9 жыл бұрын

The best performer in this video was LeafSolution. Nearly 4 years later, those guards are still installed and haven't been touched. If you are looking for a micromesh solution and want to do it yourself, we have two solutions available: MicroScreen and MicroScreen US. US stands for Under Shingle, while the standard MicroScreen installs within the gutter and secures to the front lip and fascia with screws. Either will work in areas of snow and ice. There are advantages to both applications. If you would like to learn more about your options, email us at info@gutterguardsdirect.com or call 1-800.750-2131.

@VAULT-TEC_INC.

7 жыл бұрын

Gutter Guards Direct I disagree. Looks to me like the Gutter RX (3:40) is the best as it had NO icicle buildup whatsoever

Only available solution is to provide heat in winter. In Vail CO all of these gutter guards would Ice over for the entire winter and you would have gigantic dangerous icicles feet long hanging. So although a good test, was invalid to compare gutter guards for ice/snow.

@gutterguardsdirect

Жыл бұрын

I’ve been to Vail in the winter and I recall seeing lots of icicles hanging off buildings with or without gutters. There are certain markets and conditions where all bets are off during the winter. Heat tape in the gutters may work, but those seem to have limited effectiveness.

so which would you recommend as the best one to purchase?

@Johustla

5 жыл бұрын

huri999 put some salt in your gutters. That will thaw out any ice or snow:)

I didn't see Master Shield in this test....you tested in all of your other tests.....

@gutterguardsdirect

2 жыл бұрын

This series was filmed in 2011. The current challenge was filmed in 2020-21.

No leaves or pine needles?

@gutterguardsdirect

3 жыл бұрын

This test was looking at snow and ice not leaves and pine needles. If you want to see how gutter guards perform with leaves and pine needles, watch our Ultimate Gutter Guard Challenge videos this KZread channel.

Why hasn’t anyone thought about putting heat tape on the back of the gutter? The snow would melt and then your gutters would be clear of snow and ice. Heck it keep pipes from freezing in the wintertime under mobile homes and trailer parks.

@gutterguardsdirect

2 жыл бұрын

Sure, you could install heat tape. Some folks do.

I wish I'd seen this before my purchase. I purchased from Shutter Gutters. Biggest rip off ever. Winter we had huge icicles, even running down the house and freezing on screens. Entrance to my house was terrible with the ice and had to keep knocking the icicles down so they wouldn't fall on someone approaching the front door. During the spring summer fall every time it rains it looks like niagra falls, water runs right over top of gutter...nothing going into gutter and out the downspout. Very expensive product that does not measure up to their advertisement, and they never do anything about the problems....your stuck with a lousy product...threw away a lot of money....while they laugh all the way to the bank. BEWARE....stay away from Shutter Gutters!

@gutterguardsdirect

9 жыл бұрын

The reality is that any gutter guard will allow icicles to form since it is blocking access to the opening in the gutter. Other variables, such as which way the gutter guards are facing (i.e., north vs south exposure), will also play a factor. As you said, it's too late for you, but for anyone else who is interested, I wrote a story called, "Damn Ice Dams: Gutter Guard Snow and Ice Tests Continue" on www.GutterTalkBlog.com that goes into more detail each of the tested gutter guards.

@richardhunter4235

6 жыл бұрын

Jo H i

If you think you won’t have ice on your roof edges or gutters holding ice covered or not means you were raised in the tropics an don’t understand cold science. The heat wires is the best defense an a roof rake .

@gutterguardsdirect

Жыл бұрын

You're correct, Clark. There are many regions of the US where snow and ice is more of an event than the norm. When folks get any snow, ice and icicles, they tend to think the worst. As you know, in other parts of the country, snow and ice and occasional ice dams are part of life and you just learn to deal with it.

It seems to me that the best practice would be to remove the gutter guards before winter....

@gutterguardsdirect

3 жыл бұрын

That may work if you're a do-it-yourselfer, but if you paid a few grand to have gutter guards installed, it's not a practical nor preferred solution. Most regions of the country don't get enough snow that this would be a consideration, but it must happen because you're not the only homeowner who has suggested this approach.

The snow took mine off.

@gutterguardsdirect

2 жыл бұрын

That can happen, especially if not properly secured to the gutters.

Good video, gutter guards, screens, they are all garbage for winter time. They all create ice dams. My husband is carpenter/contractor for 35 years, seen many problems because of these. When we bought our house that was one of the first things ripped off. Don’t waste your money. Just keep your gutters clean... period!

@gutterguardsdirect

3 жыл бұрын

The purpose of a gutter guard is to keep leaves and debris out of the gutters so that they can run clean year round. Gutter guards don't create ice dams. Poor attic/roof insulation does. I'm not sure removing gutter guards in the winter will achieve the results you suggest nor is it what people want to do. Unfortunately, homeowners are often led to believe that gutter guards will not allow the formation of icicles, when, in fact, it can exacerbate the presence of icicles. However, icicles don't = ice dams. Snow and ice forming on top of gutter guards doesn't mean that they won't continue to work in the winter nor will it result in ice damming. Fortunately, for most of us, we don't get enough snow that it's a long-term issue, and for areas of the country where snow is more prevalent, the existence of ice in gutters and icicles hanging from gutters is a fact of life. Make sure your attic is well insulated and properly ventilated, and you won't have to worry about ice dams.

*professional

Gutter guards are to keep out leaves and all the crap that falls from oaks, maples and other trees. If the guards are doing their job for that, then they are working well. Who cares if some ice cycles are on the gutters, they will melt off or you can knock them off. The gutter guards with the larger holes will clog up with leaves and other debris from the trees, which is much more work to clean off than some ice cycles. The fine stainless steel mesh is the way to go in my opinion.

@gutterguardsdirect

5 жыл бұрын

The problem with any solution is that if you fix one problem, you may inadvertently create another problem. The reason why homeowners buy and install gutter guards is to keep out leaves and debris. The type of gutter guard one installs can lead to other issues, so it's paramount to consider as many variables as possible prior to selecting a gutter guard. Ice and snow build-up is an issue -- albeit temporary -- but there are a lot of folks who don't want to bat icicles off of their gutters if and when they form. Moreover, a bigger problem is water dripping off the gutter or from the icicles during the day and freezing at night on their front steps and walkways. Nobody wants that hazard or liability. Our experience is that this issue is exacerbated by solid gutter covers that force water to the front edge of the gutter where icicles are more likely to form. Couple this with a northern or eastern exposures, where the amount of sunlight is limited each day, and it can become a real problem during the winter. Any gutter guards that are open across the top of the gutter, such as stainless steel microscreen, expanded metal or perforated aluminum will do a better job minimizing icicles than solid gutter covers. But, as you point out, their ability to effectively keep leaves and debris out of the gutter depends on a different set of variables that has nothing to do with snow and ice. What has been your experience with icicles and gutter guards? Which brand or type of gutter guard have you found to be most effective keeping out leaves and debris and minimizing icicles?

@340rps

5 жыл бұрын

By far the larger hole is the best overall. They don't clog with leaves and finer stuff will break down fairly quickly,and as shown here the best at resisting snow and Ice build up. Have them on my house cover ten years and clean the gutters about every 3. You give up something with each type guard. The micro mesh is the worse IMO. Fact is when they plug, and they will, get out the power washer. ... and pray you don't get an actual Ice dam.

@joq702

8 ай бұрын

Perfect reply to those that think micro screens are the answer. I clean gutters and live in Michigan. The black sturdy Amerimax with the diamond shape openings seems to be the most reliable overall. Flow of water is excellent in warmer months and that cleans out most debris on rains provided the gutter troughs are set right so water runs to the spouts. I agree with you from what I have seen in my work. Plus I get more calls to sweep off the micromesh screens. With the diamond shaped Amerimax and some others I can easily see inside the troughs, service any issues and flush thoroughly without spending too much time. Easy to put take off carefully and reinstall.

Of course you will get ice dams. A huge part of that is insulation and ventilation. Stop blaming gutter guards for these issues.i mean you hear "there is snow and ice on the guards" rip them off. Well if you look above the guard you also have snow and Ice on the roof shingles. So do we say rip the shingles off also. I'm not sure anyone has said gutter guards will prevent ice. Sometime you have to use your head on issues like this. Gutters themselves will collect snow and ice at a larger amount, we dont remove the gutters for the winter no do we?

@gutterguardsdirect

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments, Thomas. We understand that, but homeowners often don't understand why they get icicles or why ice dams occur. It doesn't help the folks who sell gutter guards make claims that their gutter guards won't cause icicles, when it can be a leading factor to icicles forming. It happens. We hear it regularly. You'd be amazed what sales reps will say to win jobs. Perhaps you wouldn't. Check out our blog at www.GutterTalkBlog.com to see what we've written on this topic.

94 times you say uh or um!!!!!! Unbelievable!!!! A little advice....If you are doing a proffesional video, why not try to write things down and do a little practice so you don't sound like you are grabbing words out of the air while you talk.

@yozemitelevin4645

5 жыл бұрын

Eric Durrant 👌🏽

@sandpounder184

5 жыл бұрын

Asshole... The video was one of the more valuable one I've seen pertaining to gutter guards... Just say thanks, or nothing, and, um, move on...