Below are some of the more frequently asked questions we receive about the GutterShutter system and installation. Of course we’re always happy to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or to get a free, no-obligation estimate and see the product first-hand.
How Does it Work?
GutterShutter completely encloses and protects. There are no vertical openings for water or clogging debris to enter, and no screens, inserts or filters to clog. Rainwater flows over and around the nose of the GutterShutter by the simple physical law of water surface tension. It’s just like the way water clings to the side of a glass when it’s poured. The GutterShutter System has more surface tension than any other system. This will afford you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you no longer will be putting anyone’s health or safety at risk that comes with climbing the ladder to clean your gutters. Your fascia is no longer at risk of additional rotting as the exclusive High Back system ensures your board is covered in aluminum, adding to GutterShutter’s water management features.
Will Clog-Free Gutters Work on my Steep Roof?
The steeper the roof, the better GutterShutter performs. The funny thing about roofs is that the steeper they get, the less water they catch. A flat roof catches all of the rain that falls over it. As you begin to tilt a flat roof upward, angling its surface to the rain, you reduce the surface area that can catch rain and reduce the total amount of rain to be handled by the gutter. Granted, the water that is caught will flow faster but, fast water flow has no effect on how GutterShutter performs.
Whats the difference between a Gutter Guard / Leaf Guard / Gutter Hood / and a GutterShutter Leaf and Debris Free System?
Gutter Guard, Leaf Guard, Gutter Hood etc. are all terms used in the Leaf Protection industry. Except for a distinct few, most companies are selling a 3rd party gutter guard which is incorporated to the homes existing gutters. These 3rd party add-ons are typically poorly made and install poorly as well. Some snap on, some sit in the gutter, while others are screwed to or installed under shingles of the home or directly to the top of the gutter. These with time will often pull away from the gutter or blow away completely. Most fit extremely poor on the ends of the gutters leaving room for leafs and debris to still get into your gutters. The gutter guards installed may be covered by a short warranty but what about the rest of the system, the gutters and downspouts need protection too.
The GutterShutter Leaf & Debris Free system is comprised of patented parts designed to work together to fully encapsulate your gutter system, offering you unparalleled leaf protection with a great aesthetic "crown molding" look. We are so confident this will be the last Leaf Guard Protection system for your home that we guarantee it for life to never leak, clog or pull away from your home. All the parts are manufactured right here in the US, and all the parts of the system from the downspout up are covered!
Will Water Just Spill Over the Edge in Heavy Rain?
The GutterShutter system has been designed and tested to handle the heaviest rainfalls. Both the 5” and the 6” hood have exclusive flow reducers that slow the water coming off your roof. However, it’s the principle of surface tension that keeps the water flowing into the gutter. Surface tension isn’t affected by the amount or speed of the water flowing so even in the heaviest rainfalls, GutterShutter will still work smoothly.
Do One-Piece Gutters Still Make Sense?
When it comes to covered gutters, one-piece designs simply don’t make sense. Because the top and bottom are made in one piece, if either piece gets damaged they both need to be replaced. And because the top isn’t removable it’s very hard to clean or service the gutter. The newest state-of-the-art integrated gutter systems use a two-piece technology. The top is a separate piece that can be replaced if damaged without replacing the seamless gutter. One type uses a snap on hood but snap on hoods can be easily damaged or blown off in high winds. GutterShutter’s two-piece design secures the separate hood to the bracket and trough. The secured hood is very strong – it can’t be blown off by the wind and allows easy access if service is ever needed.
Can I Save Money by Using My Old Gutters?
It’s more likely, over time, that your old gutters will cause as much as 10 times their value in home repairs because of poor design. It simply doesn’t make sense to keep them! Companies selling products that rely on using your old gutters want you to believe that you’re going to save a lot of money by a lower initial cost. The truth is you can install a complete GutterShutter system for the same or less money, and you can rely on our lifetime guarantee of a product that will hold up over time! Ask your Gutter Shutter representative about our “Best Value Guarantee.”
What if I Still Need to Get on my Roof?
The GutterShutter system is made with 0.032 thick aluminum – the strongest application used for a residential application. Standing a ladder or other similar device against the GutterShutter system is not a problem.
What Happens to my Gutters if I Get a New Roof?
The GutterShutter attaches directly to the fascia board, in no way interfering or associated with the roof. If you are considering a roof replacement give us a call. Your Factory authorized GutterShutter Dealer, Blue Ox Exteriors, has been in the roofing industry since 2010. This way you are fully covered if a mishap was to happen during the construction process to the gutter system, we will fix it for free.
Why not just buy any gutter guard?
Applying a retro fit gutter guard to your existing gutters is not a long term leaf guard solution. Many are manufactured so poorly that they don't work right from the start. Even if you do get it to install properly, after a winter of snow and ice many shift and need to be readjusted, if not completely replaced. If you want a long term proven gutter guard solution look no further. The GutterShutter Leaf & Debris Free System covers everything the system is comprised of: High Back Gutter, GutterShutter Patented hoods, GutterStud Bracket, GutterShutter End Caps, and oversized 3"x 4" downspouts.
How is the Gutter System Attached to my Home?
Because the method of attachment is the most important part of any gutter system, the GutterShutter system attaches to the home using our unique, patent pending GutterStud, the heart of the system. Unlike typical gutter guard systems that use an inexpensive plastic or polypropylene bracket, the GutterStud is made mostly from a virgin nylon material which will not shift due to material breakdown because of weather conditions and is applied to the fascia using only two 3-inch galvanized screws (no nails or rivets) spaced every 24 inches on the board in a vertical fashion, ensuring permanent attachment to the home. Installation procedures are the utmost importance on this home feature and the GutterShutter users factory trained applicators with the vast experience in our leaf and debris free systems treatment to ensure your satisfaction in performance!