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We were in Lowes today and we looked at these solid gutter covers for our rain gutters. The are made of PVC, come in four foot sections and cost about $3.00 for a section. Currently we have a plastic screen over the gutters. These work OK, but we still occasionally get enough small debris to clog the downspout. In addition, we get a lot of water marks on the outside of the rain gutters themselves. This product claims to eliminate that last problem.
They look pretty easy to install. Part of my challenge with our current gutter screens is they interfere with putting up out Christmas lights. I think I can cut notches in these to guards to allow for the small plastic clips that are used to install the Christmas lights. If I give them a try, I'll keep you apprised.
Ted,
Since I've been researching leaf guards for gutters for our house, I thought I'd add a few comments regarding your find at Lowe's.
As you know we've added a major addition to our house that currently doesn't have any gutter system whatsoever. And the rest of the house has a pvc system with screening that Ned put up 20 years ago. It is now shot and totally worthless. So we're looking at putting up totally new gutters all the way around, and being surrounded with trees, leaf guards are a definite yes.
Some major brands for repelling leaves or debrie from gutters are Gutter Helmet, Gutter Guard, Leaf Guard, etc. Your better quality will be made out of aluminum. Most boast of being able to be cleaned (maybe once a year if that) from the ground with a pressure hose. For me, that sounds awesome since I have to clean ours twice a year on my hands & knees on the edge of the eves, digging them out with my hands. I have selected a middle of the road for pricing, gutters with leaf guard. The brand is Leaf Guard. Their estimate came in at $3,000. Helmut Guard was the highest at $5,000. And of course the least expensive was around $2,000, but it was made from pvc. All of my estimates included new gutters with the guards are professionally installed. I just thought this would be the best way to guarantee they wouldn't leak, and it would save Ned having to do one more project up on a ladder. Nothing has been purchased yet because I'm waiting for Ned to purchase what he needs to install the warm floor heating system he wanted to install himself. Then I can put the gutters in & my lawn (sod hopefully).
You might look a little bit out on the internet. Just search under leaf guards, gutter armor, gutter topper, etc.
If you're looking for a temporary fix, your gutter guards at Lowe's will work fine. Just don't expect them to last more than 10 years.
Take care!
Kathy
Posted by: KATHY at June 22, 2004 12:09 PM