First, they acknowledge two different types of products related to gutter covers and shingles, Do-it-Yourself (DIY) and professionally installed. They make the point if you install gutter covers yourself, don't attempt it unless you get installation instructions from the manufacturer. They note that they prefer professionally installed products that are installed by someone familiar with good roofing practices.
If you're considering professionally installed gutter guard covers, GAF notes that everyone has their own specific application instructions that must be followed to obtain their maximum benefit. They then go on to say, "in almost all instances, the products are installed following good roofing practices and do not have an impact on the roofing manufacturer's warranty."
How To Install Gutter Guards On Asphalt Shingles
They also specifically answer the question, "Does installing Gutter Covers affect my [roofing] warranty?" No, is the answer. They note that the GAF Limited Warranty only covers the shingles' manufacturing defects and does not cover the gutter guard covers or damage due to their installation.
Do you hear stony silence from anyone? Thought you might. This myth has been busted, at least by some gutter covers. Several products DO fasten by penetrating the shingle for their fastening system, so do your homework and verify this point before choosing a system to install.
Now that you know installing gutter guards underneath your shingles might lead to potential damage, here are some tips for installing them without disrupting your roof's water barrier to prevent water damage from occurring. Generally speaking, most gutter guard additions require you to install it by laying the piece down flat, on top of the gutter itself.
However, depending on the type of gutter guards you purchase, there may not be any way around installing them without moving your shingles to properly secure them to your home. Here is a list of some common types of gutter guards and how to install them:
These types of gutter guards are typically made of a wire or plastic mesh strips. And while they are typically an inexpensive option, they may cause more harm to your home than good. This is because in order to install them, you may need to lift up the first layer of shingles and slip the screen underneath it to secure it in place. Therefore, if you can, it may be best to avoid this type of gutter guard.
Brush gutter guards are made with a stiff, bristle-like feature that fits directly into your open faced gutter system to help keep fallen leaves and other debris out of the bottom of your gutter system while allowing water to drain. Accordingly, because the brush gutter guards slip right into your gutter system, you will not need to attach them underneath your shingles to secure them in place. However, these types of gutter guards can still allow smaller debris to collect, which may clog your gutter system.
Foam gutter guards are very similar to brush gutter guards as they sit directly into your gutter system without needing to be attached underneath your shingles. Again, these are designed to prevent fallen leaves and other debris from clogging up your gutter system while allowing water to collect and drain. However, they may allow smaller pieces of debris to get stuck and potentially clog your gutter system if not maintained.
Another type of gutter guard that you can install onto your open-faced gutters are covers or hoods. Depending on the company you choose, you will either be allowed to install these covers directly onto the gutter system by snapping it in place or having to install and secure it under your first row of shingles.
When it comes to installing and maintaining your gutters, tasks can get tricky pretty quick. Therefore, if you have never dealt with your gutters before, it may be best to hire a professional company to install your gutter guards for you. This way, you can rest assured knowing that they have been installed correctly, without causing damage to your home.
While gutter guards can provide some protection against water related damage to your home caused by clogging throughout your gutter system, there are other options available to homeowners who are looking to update the gutter system on their home.
Furthermore, unlike other gutter systems and gutter guards, LeafGuard gutters are made with a durable paint coating that will not peel, rot, crack, or rust. As a result, because LeafGuard gutter systems are built with durability in mind they will last you a long time.
Lastly, LeafGuard gutters are fully customizable to fit your home and ensure a seamless installation process. As a result, you can expect that the installation process will be completed within a day. That way, you can get back to your normal routine quickly without any hassle.
As you can see, gutter guard installation is a difficult task that can cause more troubles for your home in the long run, if not installed properly. Therefore, rather than installing them yourself, it may be worth seeking the help of a professional company.
Fortunately, many gutter guards are easy enough to install that do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts can manage the task. However, there are some gutter guards that only professionals can install. This guide covers the basics of gutter guard systems, including how to install them yourself and when to call in a professional.
Gutter guards are shields installed inside or over gutters to prevent leaves, pine needles, and other small debris from collecting inside. Several types of gutter guards are available, but they all aim to allow water to flow through while keeping debris out.
Homeowners will find dozens of gutter guard options on the market, each with pros and cons. Some slide into the gutter, and others act as gutter covers. Gutter guards can be sorted into the following five categories:
Gutter brushes tend to be the least effective option for filtering out small debris, but they typically last much longer than foam guards, which have a similar price per foot. Another key difference is that gutter brushes come in one size only, while foam gutter guards come in several shapes to fit different gutter styles. A foam gutter guard system is fairly effective, but you will likely need to replace it every one or two years.
Micro-mesh screens are the most effective and expensive option for DIY gutter guard installation. Popular brands include Amerimax, Raptor, and Gutterglove. Other brands of micro-mesh and all reverse-curve gutter guards require professional installation. Although these systems cost more, they typically outperform homeowner-installed gutter guards and include longer warranties.
Raptor gutter guards slide into place and are secured with self-tapping screws, and Amerimax offers snap-in filters. Gutterglove posts detailed instructions on its website, plus pictures to show what the installation process looks like with different rooflines, gutter designs, and roofing materials.
Alternatively, you can hire a professional to install gutter guards on your existing gutters or as part of a new gutter system. In the latter case, the price would be included in the gutter installation cost quoted by the company. The main advantages of professional installation are convenience, peace of mind, improved performance, and longevity.
Some companies, such as LeafFilter, only offer professional installation with no DIY option. However, the company will include a gutter assessment and necessary repairs in the installation process. This may cost more up-front but will save you from future issues and result in a more effective gutter protection system.
Homeowners can install many types of gutter guards in or over the gutter. For a foam or brush gutter guard, place the product inside the gutter. For a mesh or micro-mesh screen, slide one side under the shingles and fasten the other to the gutter. If you choose the DIY route, be sure to follow the instructions carefully, enlist the help of a partner, and practice ladder safety.
Many manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on their micro-mesh or reverse curve gutter guards. Installers may also provide a warranty on any gutter guards they install. However, the warranty for gutter guards will vary depending on the product and installer.
How long it takes to install gutter guards will vary depending on the type of gutter guard and the size of your home. The job should take less than a day, but keep in mind that your gutters should be thoroughly cleaned before installation. According to several gutter guard installers, a general estimate would be three to five hours, counting the pre-installation cleaning.
Fortunately, easy-to-install rain-gutter guards prevent debris from clogging up an existing gutter system. We tested a host of these products in different categories to judge performance on a variety of levels. Keep reading to learn more about leaf filter gutter protection and our hands-on-tested recommendations for some of the best leaf gutter guards on the market.
First, we installed one section of each gutter guard according to the directions, cutting for brackets when necessary. We assessed the flexibility of installation (no two sets of gutters are the same) as well as the quality of the hardware and how difficult each was to install. In most cases, professional installation is not required and can be done by the average DIYer. We observed the gutter guards from the ground to determine visibility.
We removed the gutter guards to access the gutters and determine how well the guards kept out debris. Finally, we cleaned these leaf guards for gutters to evaluate how easy it was to remove any clinging debris.
Put an end to semiannual gutter cleaning with one of the following options, each a high-quality gutter guard in its category. We installed each product and put it through its paces with hands-on testing that proved it to be a top performer. Check out our choices for new gutters while also keeping the top considerations in mind.
Gutter screens are not screwed down and so may be dislodged by high winds or knocked out from under shingles by falling branches. Additionally, prying up the lower row of roof shingles to install slip-under gutter guards voids certain roof warranties. Buyers might want to contact the shingle manufacturer before installing this type of gutter guard if they have concerns. 2ff7e9595c
Comments