I have 1/2 round copper gutters and manny oak trees. Some sort of gutter protection is imperative. The “gutter helmut”/ “leaf guard” type additions are very costly and invaisive to my shake roof. A gutter contractor has suggested the “leafdefender” system which is a porous foam insert that permits water to drain through to the gutter while repelling leaves. This sytem, while more expensive than its simplicity would warrent, is less costly than the copper “gutter helmut” additions and certainly less intrusive.
It seems too good to be true. I know the “gutter helmut/leafguard” systems work. Does any one have any experience with these foam inserts? Do they work? Do leaves pile up on them and impede rainwater from passing through?
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I like the concept, but have no experience. The downside I envision is a freezing problem. If you spring for it, keep us posted.
STOP, DROP, ..............ROCK 'N' ROLL
Neighbors have had screens installed over the gutters which didn't work; a morass of unsluiced grit piled up in the gutters and rendered them barely functional. The implication is the the open-cell foam would permit a finer decomposition of organic mater to pass which would easily be flushed down the downspouts. I wasn't convinced. I was just hoping the hear from people that had the foam system and loved it. I haven't!
The savings are such that I hoped someone would prove my logic wrong.
Thank you for your thoughts.
I would envision it becoming clogged with small partical and eventually all the water will bypass it and run off the roof.
I would not like to see one freeze and expand............
How about just getting someone to clean them out on a regular basis.
I mean, what's it gonna cost you, a coupla hundred a year?
Ya spent all that money on a shake roof.....................
Eric
I Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
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The puveyor claims that the small debris breaks down and passes thru and is washed out the drains down the cavity below the open cell foam. I'm skeptical.
In our area the gutters need cleaning every week or so during the fall and every month or so the rest of the year. Even If I could find the hearty gutter swift locally, $200 wouldn't even begin to cover the multiple trips.
Thanks for your thoughts. I really don't rust the system and was hoping against logic that someone had used it and loved it.