Dan's Papers - September 21, 2007 - Don't Get Left In The Gutter

Gutters aren't considered a glamorous part of the home and they are often overlooked. So you might ask, why do you need gutters and why should you have gutter protection on top of that?

A functioning gutter system is crucial for your home's healthy existence and longevity. When installed properly, gutters and downspouts keep basements and crawl spaces dry, preserve landscape, protect siding from backsplash stain and rot, and shield windows and doors from water infiltration and damage. However, this is only if the gutters are unclogged and free flowing, making roof gutter cleaning one of the most important household maintenance projects. Nevertheless, homeowners rarely get excited about cleaning their gutters because it is such a dirty chore and is hazardous because, the job involves climbing up a ladder.

Homeowners who neglect these cleanings usually end up with clogged gutters. This means rainwater can back up and your gutters will overflow. Potential problems include damage to paint, siding, fascia boards, landscaping, foundation, basement and the gutter system itself. During the winter, icy temperatures might freeze the water that was standing in the clogged gutter system, which will cause the gutters to expand and crack.

Various products are available to protect gutters from the onslaught of clogging leaves and debris. Screens, the most commonly used product, might help keep leaves out, but don't prevent the eventual accumulation of a gutter-clogging sludge caused by other debris slowly filtering in.

Gutter protection that is installed by specialists is guaranteed not to clog again. The installer will actually return to clean the gutters for free if any congestion occurs. Listen to advertising claims cautiously and investigate and talk to friends or neighbors who have gutter protection for several years. Do your research to learn more about the effectiveness, performance and the service of a system before you buy. Reputable dealers will provide a free inspection and no-obligation estimate. You might want to choose a brand and company that has been around for many years to in case you need to take advantage of the warranty. Buying a cheaper system doesn't save you money if it clogs or must be repaired. A gutter system should be a one-time investment. Over time, a quality gutter protection system pays for itself.

Questions to ask when choosing a gutter protection system include: How reliable and effective is the system? How strong is the system? How is the system installed? What colors are available? What is the gutter protection warranty? How long has the company been in business? How much will the system cost?

A product that comes with a great reputation and high functionality is Gutter Helmet. This industry leader pioneered the gutter protection system market over 25 years ago, and installs more quality systems than its competitors. Gutter Helmet offers a patented product with lifetime warranty and performance guarantee. The New England Gutter Helmet dealer, located in Rhode Island, has been in business for 14 years and has performed over 26,000 installations.

Gutter Helmet's patented nose-forward design prevents leaves and debris from entering your gutter system. Gravity causes leaves and debris to fall to the ground, while surface tension causes water to flow around the cover design into the gutters. This premier system can be installed over your existing gutters if you don't have gutters, and Gutter Helmet can install new ones or if necessary they will replace your old ones. The color of the gutters and the gutter protection can be matched perfectly to your home. Gutter Helmet is expertly and professionally installed using the industry's highest quality products. The registered warranty provides a transferable lifetime material and product performance warranty and you are provided with an excellent lifetime service warranty.

Millions of homeowners throughout the U.S. have found the only permanent solution to end annual gutter cleanings forever. Stop worrying about your gutters and start enjoying the peace of mind that a Gutter Helmet system provides. With Gutter Helmet you'll never clean your gutters again!