Comprehensive buyers guide to the Best in Gutter Guards.

1. A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to
the Best in Gutter Guards:
Understanding the Products that Protect Your
Home and Family
W hen considering the value of your home, many things obviously come to mind when you think of
maintenance and protection. It’s easy to think of siding, windows, paint or brick work, and ensuring proper
attention to landscaping. However, few people realize that much of the quality of many of these facets is
attributable to one particular part on their home: The Gutters. The gutters of your home do have the ability
to affect its worth as well as the health and safety of your loved ones. It is important to take the necessary
measures in ensuring your gutters are protected, so your family and your home are, too.
However, the gutter protection options provided to the average consumer are countless. This guide will
provide you the information you need to make the best decisions regarding gutter protection on your
home. Of course, we encourage you to not only investigate gutter protection methods, but also consider
the reputation of product manufacturers, offered warranties and if the products have been tested for
effectiveness.
Understanding Gutter Protection
The majority of homes have conventional gutters installed when they are first built or when they go through
exterior renovations. These conventional gutters are affixed to a building’s fascia boards, also known
amongst homeowners as gutter boards. The average width of a gutter on a home is in the range of 4-6”
when measured from the top of the gutter to the bottom. Popular for use on U.S. homes are K-style or ogee
gutters. Gutters are normally attached to a home by the following methods:
• Straps
• Hangers or Spikes
• Ferrules
On U.S. homes it is recommended that a building’s gutter have ¼” slope for every 10 feet of gutter. This is
done so the gutter has the opportunity to properly drain when faced with rain, snow, debris or other ma-
terial. If you already have an existing home and are not in the process of building a new residence, your
gutters are probably already on your house. In situations such as this, it is important to know if your gutters
are not only securely in place, but also to know they are on a proper slope and doing their job. However,
you do require professional assistance in this endeavor. A professional gutter inspection company will be
able to identify if there are problems with the current state of your gutters, including if there is a lack of a
sufficient slope, if they are not fastened correctly to the fascia board or miters (corners), or if the end caps of
the gutters are not properly sealed. If any of these issues are present, there is a chance that a gutter protec-
tion strategy will not work correctly. Moreover, gutters that do not have any type of covering or protective
system in place should have a cleaning or maintenance plan. If there are a lot of trees growing in your area,
you could require bi-annual cleanings.
Copyright ©2012 - Leaf Slugger™

2. What is Gutter Protection?
G utter protection usually relates directly to the use of a product that prevents leaves and other debris
from getting stuck in your home’s gutter system. However, when gutter protection is installed properly it’s
much more than simple leaf protection; rather, it’s also a water management system. Ultimately, when an
effective gutter protection system is put in place, rain water will be allowed to enter your gutters and drain
correctly, while preventing leaves and other debris from entering your gutter.
Do I really need gutter protection?
You don’t necessarily need gutter protection if you are committed to keeping your gutters clean and don’t
mind the risk of falling and hurting yourself. Or, if you hire a contractor to clean your gutters, and are
prepared to handle an insurance claim if they fall and hurt themselves and also happen to be noninsured.
While the idea of a few leaves or other dirt and debris doesn’t sound very threatening, serious damage can
happen when leaves and debris build up and create a clog in the gutter or the downspouts. This makes
water fill up in the gutters and when there is too much, it spills over the sides and provides opportunity for
further damage to be done to your house.
Some of the damage caused by overflowing or clogged
gutters includes:
• Damage to home foundation
• Landscape Erosion
• Development of mold and fungus on siding
• Peeling paint on the sides of home
What other benefits are associated with gutter protection?
One of the major benefits of a gutter protection system, outside of just protecting your house, is
keeping your family and loved ones safe from harm. Gutter protection systems eliminate the risk of falling.
No longer will your loved ones have to take to the roof and risk themselves by climbing ladders while trying
to clean gutter clogs.
Copyright ©2012 - Leaf Slugger™

3. In the News
A ccording to The National Safety Council, a fall from a ladder or a roof is currently the number 3 cause of
accidental death or injury while at home. NSC President and CEO Alan McMillan stated, “Accidental death
in America is a silent epidemic. With one person dying from an accident every five minutes, unintentional
injury is one of the most serious public health issues facing the country.”
Angie Hicks, founder of the home improvement review website, “Angie’s List,” stated in a Newsnet5.com
news story, “We’ve heard many stories about people falling off a ladder while pruning trees or cleaning
gutters. 164,000 Americans end up in the emergency room every year because of do-it-yourself accidents.”
The New York Times stated that currently over 175,000 people fall off ladders per year, of that number 350
deaths occur.
What cost benefit is there to having a gutter protection system
in place?
While there is an investment when purchasing a gutter
protection system, the strategy does pay for itself. Gutter
protection eliminates the cost of gutter cleaning which can
cost $75-$500 depending on the size of your home and
where you live.
What are my gutter protection
system options?
As with any home improvement venture, there are many options
to consider when searching for a gutter protection system.
Currently, there are six types of gutter protection systems.
Gutter Screens: This product is exactly what the name implies; it is a screen that is installed over the gutter.
One-piece Systems: This protection system combines the gutter itself and the protection system together,
fitting it into one-piece.
“In the Gutter” System: This is a system that will be fitted to lay within the gutter itself. It is most typically a
piece of foam or brush, and serves as a debris filter.
Bracket System: A bracket protection system is a gutter guard that is attached to the gutter via a bracket.
This bracket holds the protection product in place on your home.
Hood Products: Hooded (or domed) products are also known as surface tension products. The system
itself will attach to the lip of the gutter and be fitted to go under the shingles of your roof.
Dispersal System: This is a type of protection system that foregoes the use of a downspout. Moreover, this
system doesn’t even use gutters! It is attached to the fascia of the structure and as the water runs down the
roof, it hits a panel and runs through a set of baffles or louvers located at the bottom. From there, the water
is dispersed in a pattern to the ground.
Copyright ©2012 - Leaf Slugger™

4. How do I Choose the Gutter Protection System that is Right for Me?
I t’s true that the task of choosing which gutter protection system for your home might seem daunting, but
it is also a very important choice that every homeowner must make. However, in order to make the best
decision it is necessary to know both the pros and cons of each product offering. It is also necessary to
answer the following questions about your particular situation in order to determine your needs:
• Do I have trees around my house?
• What type of weather or climate does my home regularly experience?
• Are there any structural issues standing in the way of having my preferred gutter protection
system installed?
• How much of an investment do I want to make in gutter protection?
Other helpful questions to ask the manufacturer or salesperson when considering buying a gutter
protection system:
• Do the gutters have to be installed by the company I buy the gutters from?
Or can I do it myself?
• What are the installation costs associated with the gutter protection system?
• Does the manufacturer train dealers for installation?
• Are the results from my gutter protection system guaranteed?
• Is there a warranty if the gutter clogs or if there is a problem after installation?
• If there is a “no-clog” guarantee on the gutter protection system, what constitutes a clog?
• What is the warranty and what is covered by the warranty?
• Will the company inspect my existing gutters for proper flow, attachment and alignment?
• If I install this particular gutter system will my roof warranty be voided?
• Is the manufacturer easily contacted if there is an issue with the dealer?
• Can I receive a guaranteed price, not a written estimate?
• Do I need to replace my existing gutters?
• Will my new gutter system handle a buildup of snow and ice?
• Is the product made in the USA? I need support if there are any problems and international
manufacturers might be hard to reach.
• Does the company offer multiple installation methods for the product? (Remember: Every
installation is different due to roof types.)
• Will the gutter protection system handle high winds?
• Is the gutter protection system “green” or eco-friendly? (Leaf Slugger™ is due to the use of
your existing gutters.)
What gutter protection system is the best?
Truth be told, all gutter protection systems mentioned thus far in this guide do come with the reputation of
working. However, there is a difference in how they work and the length of time they are effective for. Here
are some important details to know about each particular type of gutter protection product.
Products associated with gutter protection go by many names. Some common product names associated
with gutter protection are: Gutter Guards, Gutter Covers, Gutter Caps and Leaf Guard.
Copyright ©2012 - Leaf Slugger™

5. Gutter Screens:
Pros:
• Widely known as the first type of gutter protection available to homeowners.
• Easy-to-handle screen is placed on top of the gutter.
• Products of this nature come in steel, aluminum, plastic and vinyl.
• They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
• Do a good job of keeping large debris out of the gutter system.
Cons:
• Work well for the first two years, but after that the
potential for mold and mildew is present.
• They are connected to the gutter using clips,
so they have the potential to blow off in
inclement weather.
• Bending is a common problem when snow
and ice build up on top of the screen.
• Easily collect debris and require routine
maintenance.
• Usually come with a limited warranty,
if a warranty is provided.
• Provide no stability to the gutter system itself.
• Few have overlap installation; has the potential to
separate where two pieces come together, allowing for debris to enter the gutter system.
• While cleaning does become less frequent, it is not eliminated completely.
• Color choices are limited.
• Plastic screens become brittle and are subject to cracking.
One-Piece Systems:
Pros:
• Combine the gutter and the protection system into one solid piece.
• Great for use in replacing entire gutter system.
• Suggested for areas subject to heavy rainfall.
• Offer a wide variety of colors.
• Much more durable than gutter screens.
Cons:
• While this product is suggested for places that
experience heavy rainfall, the system cannot
handle more rainwater than a hooded system.
• Offer a limited warranty.
• Quite expensive since it encompasses replacing
the gutters as well.
• If any repair is needed, the entire gutter system
will need to be replaced.
• Often require multiple downspouts. This can be a hassle and unappealing if the extra down
spouts are required in awkward locations.
• Smaller area for surface tension.
• Mount to the fascia, and do not add stability to the structure.
Copyright ©2012 - Leaf Slugger™

6. “In the Gutter” System:
Pros:
• Lay in the gutter and act as a filter.
• Made out of several types of material, including
foam, nylon and plastic. One form is a big
brush that lays in the gutter.
• Inexpensive and popular with “Do It Yourself”
homeowners.
• Easy installation.
• Low profile and will not detract from your home’s
curb appeal.
Cons:
• Do not add any stability to the gutter system.
• May require periodic cleaning.
• Mold tends to build up over time.
• Brush style requires regular cleaning because leaves and debris gets caught in the bristles.
• Products can become hard and brittle over time and have the tendency to require
replacement in 5 to 10 years.
• Gutters are not protected with this system.
Bracket System:
Pros:
• Strengthens existing gutters.
• Provides consistent water flow.
• Fast and simple install method.
• Excellent support for gutters and protection system.
Cons:
• Slightly more expensive than screens and other systems.
• Must be installed by an Authorized Dealer.
Hood Products:
Pros:
• Very popular form of gutter protection.
• Effective and long lasting for all elements in the spring, summer, fall and winter.
• Excellent durability.
• Nose even design works best.
Cons:
• More expensive than screens.
• If a clog is present, removing the cover to clean the gutters can be a hassle.
• Nose forward designs tend to throw water over the cover; nose back designs allow debris to
get caught between the gutter system and the gutter cover.
Copyright ©2012 - Leaf Slugger™

7. Dispersal System:
Pros:
• Replaces conventional gutters and allows collected
water to disperse in a pattern on the ground below.
• Panels are attached to the fascia or gutter board
of the house.
• Can be spray painted.
Cons:
• Fascia or gutter boards may require an extension
if a steep roof valley makes a large amount
of water shoot off the roof.
• Limited colors.
• If snow or icicles form at the bottom of the louvers
during freezing temperatures and begin to thaw, dripping under the product can occur.
• Even though rain is dispersed by this product, ponding around the foundation can occur,
causing leaks in the basement of the house.
Why is it important to add stability to the gutter when
adding a gutter protection system?
A gutter protection system should increase the strength of your gutter system, not decrease or impair it.
Snow and ice have the ability to put stress and tension on the gutter system, and if not strengthened, can
pull the system away from the building structure. A quality system will also help strengthen the gutters
themselves.
How do you properly add strength to the gutter system?
When the gutter protection system is attached to the roof and the gutter, the system is used to tie the gutter
to the roof and the building as a whole.
What should I know about warranties with
a gutter protection system?
Beware of any company who offers a 100% money back guarantee. There is always fine print or a disclaimer
that protects the manufacturer or its dealers with a warranty such as this. Anyone can promise you the
world, but there is no good to a 100% money back guarantee if the disclaimer takes away your rights to use
it. Make sure any company who offers this has a high quality Better Business Bureau ranking. Checking this
out will usually provide the true story.
Instead of focusing on warranty claim history, focus on the success of the company. Check out their
history, their reliability scores and their performance. If a company is able to live up to their reputation in
these areas, they will always provide a warranty that protects the homeowner. Make sure you know how
long a company has been in business (It’s amazing how a one or two year-old company claims to have the
best gutter protection on the market when they have not been in existence long enough to prove their
long-term success). A quality gutter protection company needs to be older than 1-to-3 years old to prove
their success in the industry.
Copyright ©2012 - Leaf Slugger™

8. What about the warranty on my roof? Won’t attaching a gutter
protection system to it or putting nails or screws in the roof void
my warranty or cause damage?
T his could possibly be true if the gutter protection system is installed incorrectly. Poor gutter alignment
and improper fall can cause any gutter protection system to fail and your roof warranty to be considered null
and void. If the product is installed using deck screws and sealed with a waterproof-approved sealant, your
roof won’t leak and the roof warranty will stand.
It is important to note that some systems do attach to your roof and if your cover is installed under the
shingle layer it does not void your roof’s warranty. (Remember: Your roof has thousands of nails holding
your shingles down.) Your roof warranty can be voided though if the company who handles the installation
of your gutter protection system installs the cover over your shingles in any fashion.
Should I worry About the Thickness of the Material Used
in a Gutter Protection System?
Thicker material will be stronger and more durable, but it will also be more expensive. The most important
point to think about is the material thickness of your gutter, rather than the material used in the gutter
protection system. Most gutters on American homes are made out of aluminum with thickness of .027 of an
inch. To make sure you get the best gutter protection possible, don’t use any system that has thickness less
than .019 of an inch.
Should I trust gutter guard reviews on the Internet?
Reviews on the Internet can provide some good guidance. However, it is also important to remember that
sometimes gutter protection manufacturers do pay for reviews to be written, making it little more than an
advertisement. The best reviews found online are the ones completed by an independent tester at a reliable
third-party certified testing company. This way you are sure that what you are reading is true and the results
are not paid for by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
When considering a gutter protection system, it is
important to thoroughly do your research and
gather all pertinent information regarding your
specific needs, wants, as well as budget.
Remember, gutters are made to handle small
debris. And therefore, this is important when
proper installation comes into play. Never be
misled to believe that nothing but water can enter
your gutters.
For more information on the best in gutter
protection systems, contact Leaf Slugger™ today.
Copyright ©2012 - Leaf Slugger™

9. Discover the Benefits of the Leaf Slugger™ No-Clog
Protection and Water Management System:
Where Your Home’s Gutters Meet Science, Function and Durability
Unlike competitor gutter protection systems, the U.S.-Made Leaf Slugger™ system is a comprehensive and
complete water management system that comes with the following attributions:
Manages to keep gutters clog-free;
Effectively avoids back-ups that cause both gutter and home damage.
Works to direct all water in such a way where overflows are avoided.
Efficiently and strategically strengthens existing gutters,
extending their lifespan, effectiveness and function.
Made from superior construction and consists of heavy-grade aluminum;
At .027 inches, it is the thickest in the industry.
Engineered for 110 mph winds and can withstand 190 lbs of pressure.
Proven to prevent ice dams.
Constructed on the science of liquid adhesion;
Our integrated tiers and hurricane nose direct water to flow into gutters while separating debris.
Lowest profile in the industry;
Promotes curb appeal with a permanent finish that maintains appearance and function.
For more information on how a Leaf Slugger No-Clog Protection
and Water Managment System can benefit your home while
protecting its value, call 800-273-6080.
Copyright ©2012 - Leaf Slugger™

10. Experience the Leaf Slugger™ Difference Today!
Visit www.leafslugger.com or Call 800-273-6080