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Installation complete- ready for the rain!

The gutter foam filter installation is complete! 

Of course, after a long, hot, dry summer, I waited until the first rainy and cold week in autumn to complete this project.

Last fall, in an attempt to keep the drain tiles from clogging up with leaf and twig debris, I installed some aluminum screens in the drains.  While this kept the debris from going down the downspouts, it resulted in the gutters constantly backing up and overflowing.

Drain screens- a failed solution

Before installing the filters I cleaned out the leaves and twigs and hosed out any remaing roof shingle and leaf debris.

The filters slipped right in and expanded to fit like a glove.  I have no concerns about them blowing off during a heavy wind storm, like I would have with the aluminum or snap-on plastic gutter shields.

The four foot sections, which only weigh a few ounces, were very easy to handle and can be cut with a pair of scissors.

So far I like what I’m seeing.  My primary concern is that the top surface might get filled with small debris.  In theory, since the filters fill the gutters all the way to the top, I would think that once they dry out any leaves or catkins will blow off.  Time will tell if this theory holds true.

click for a larger view

gutter filter

One of the first things we did at our last house was get Gutter Helmets installed.   They worked wonders during the annual leaf and acorn drops.  They were a little expensive, but they kept me from risking a fall when cleaning the gutters several times a year.

Our new house is a little different.  We only have one large tree, a messy mature birch, that litters twigs, leaves and catkins all over the front of the house.

I didn’t want to make the investment in a professionally installed system, like Gutter Helmet, but did want some form of gutter protection.

I reviewed a number of options available in the retail channel- plastic guards, aluminum screens, steel gutter shingles, ‘gutter worms’  (which look like chimney sweep brushes), and foam gutter filters.

The plastic guards and steel shingles were out of contention because they are only available in white or brown, both which would clash with our beige gutters.

The worm looked like it would allow leaves and debris to accumulate around the corners, so it too was out. 

Based on these factors, plus the five year warranty, sale price and rebate, and ease of installation and cutting, we decided to go with the gutter filters.  As an added bonus (which means a lot to me), they were manufactured in the USA. 

The gutter filter is a triangle shaped flexible foam filter that slips into the gutter.  It fits flush to the top of the gutter with the point of the triangle fitting securely under the front lip of the gutter, leaving a large open channel in the bottom of the gutter for the water flow through.

When complete, I will have installed twenty two sections.  This evening I installed the first eight in about 20 minutes.

I should have the rest installed tomorrow evening.  Then I’ll be ready to watch the leaves fall and welcome the fall showers.