gutter guards

[seasonscape]

for those of you who clean gutters (already read all the debates about it) what are your opinions on gutter guards. got a customer who i cleaned gutters out for last week. he asked me for a price on installing gutter guards. told him i've only ever seen one design that i thought works and would recommend to him (don't know what brand and neither does the homeowner that has them). haven't been able to find it and not sure what to do about it now (recommend none or recommend another design/brand). figured i'd check with you guys to see your opinions.

[G.Williams]

I can't stand gutter guards, period. I haven't found a type yet that i like.

[seasonscape]

i hear you on this, they're usless, except this one...that's why i'm wondering everyone's opinion if i can't find this one style...they really worked! there was a large pine tree above and no needles even got stuck in them...if i can't find them i guess i'll recommend none

on another note:
i really can't understand these people that get gutter guards installed and then still want their gutter(guards) cleaned...oh well, i guess i shouldn't complain if you wanna throw money away as long as i'm involved!!!

[Runner]

Tell them to forget the gutter guards. They, in the long run, contribute to the clogging of the downspouts. The still hold stuff on top, and the roof is still full of debris. Keep selling them the annual cleanout, assure them then, that their eves will always be working properly, and reap the benefits of the work. Bottom line: gutter guards don't work.

[Richard Martin]

If you think that gutter gaurds don't work then you haven't checked out some of the new ones. I am currently selling and installing a very nice vinyl gaurd that works very well. It has a low lip that clips the lip of the gutter firmly and it has a double row of openings for the water to run into. My cost on this is $1.25 a foot and I sell it for $3.00 a foot.

[seasonscape]

Richard Martin

if u don't mind i'd appreciate some more info on these, website or something...that cost is installed?

[cantoo]

Home Depot sells a galvanized one that clips onto the gutter, you can flip them over to clean out if needed. I haven't tried these ones yet but I have cleaned the ones that spring into place and they are a pain.

[Guido]

that work are the flat vinyl ones that Richard Martin spoke of a few posts back.

I've tried 3 and thats the only kind I've seen work. I didn't do the install though, but it looked easier than the other 2 that I have done the installs.

I've tried the plastic crap thats in a roll that you roll out along the gutter and fasten. I've also tried the metal ones that clip on and then flip up.

You still have crap get in there, and you get buildup on the roof because they are not very flat.

I'd be intrested to hear more about Richards little niche in the gutter guard market...;)

[GLS]

I just got back from installing some today. I installed the white vinyl ones that cost $.79 a section (3ft.). I had to trim the width of it down a little with snippers, but easy to install. I havn't ever had complaints about them not working. On my house, I just clean them out, but if you have hard to reach gutters, I would install them.

[kutnkru]

I have thought about trying to upgrade clients to these:
http://www.rainhandler.com/

I figure they will save the hassel of gutter cleaning in the fall. The droplets falling onto the beds would aid in the watering process instead of diverting a valuable element away from the landscape. :)

Kris

[Runner]

Those things work o.k., but unfortunately, they just dont get the water out and away from the house, so it won't soak against the foundation.

[Richard Martin]

Since it pouring down raining outside I can't get the name off of the box for the vinyl gutter guard but I will tomorrow.

seasonscape, that price is installed. You can do around 100 feet an hour and that's if you're taking your time.

[BigJim]

Yep have to agree most gutter guards we got down here are totally useless ,over time in the sun they just collapse into the gutter and make the problem worse by trapping leaves on top and underneath the guard,A guard over the downpipe and an annual clean is best!