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At our company, we understand that investing in leaf guards (also known as gutter guards) can be a significant decision for homeowners. That’s why we have compiled a list of common questions about leaf guards that our customers have asked over time. Our Solutionists, who are well-versed in guard installations and maintenance, have contributed to this list to ensure that we provide the most comprehensive answers possible.
We want to ensure that our customers are fully informed about the product they are purchasing and feel confident in their decision. Therefore, we make it a priority to provide the best possible answers to any questions homeowners may have about gutter guards, including those related to the installation process, maintenance, and warranties. Our Solutionists are always ready to provide professional advice and guidance, ensuring that every customer is satisfied with their investment in leaf guards.
Leaf Guards – FAQ
Q: I live in a home with a lot of trees, and have wasted my money on several different expensive gutter guards. How do I know that your guard will work?
A. Mesh leaf guards have been available since the early 2000s and have sold millions of feet since then. They can handle large volumes of water while preventing even small debris like sand from entering. The product comes with a warranty, and more details can be obtained from a Solutionist.
Q. Are mesh gutter guards maintenance free?
A. It is not true that any gutter guard is maintenance-free, and if a representative from any gutter guard company claims so, it is not true. Gutters are essential in protecting your home from water damage, and the primary job of a gutter guard is to prevent clogging and reduce the need for cleaning. While the product will self-shed with the wind, some homes may require brushing off debris from the surface. Therefore, gutter guards still require maintenance, and claims that they are self-sufficient and reduce the need for cleaning are not true.
Leaf Guards In The Winter
Q. How do mesh guards handle snow & ice?
A. Mesh guards are a type of gutter guard that can prevent snow and ice from filling up the gutter and becoming too heavy. The mesh design of the guard is constructed with an under structure that is four times stronger than other guards on the market, which can significantly increase the strength of the gutter system and allow it to withstand the weight of snow and ice. The mesh design also creates a bridge between the snow/ice and the inside of the gutter, which can cause the snow to melt off the front edge of the gutter when the sun warms the roof. Once the snow has melted, the mesh will allow water through. Mesh guards can also help alleviate ice damming by allowing the snow and ice to melt off the front of the gutter, rather than filling the gutter and growing higher up the roof-line.
Q. I heard mesh guards cause ice damming. Is this true?
A. If a home is experiencing ice damming, it is usually due to poor attic insulation, and not because of mesh guards. Ice dams can form due to heat loss from the home or building into the attic space or rafter cavities, which warms the roof deck and causes snow to melt. Improper or insufficient ventilation and insulation in an attic can also contribute to icicles and ice dams formation. It is important to properly insulate the home before considering gutter guards. If the attic space is insulated and ice damming still occurs, a heated gutter option is available to help deal with the challenges of ice damming. Ice guard can also be added underneath the shingles to prevent water from seeping through, but ice dams will still form if the heat distribution is poor.
Style & Sizes
Q. What sizes are available?
A. Our guards are available for both 5″ and 6″ gutters.
Q. How are they installed on the gutters?
A. The guard used by the company is designed to overlap, which eliminates gaps between the guards that can be found in some alternative guard products. The front of the guard is zip screwed into the lip of the gutter, and the back is zip screwed to the fascia of the house under the drip edge. This installation method prevents water from dripping behind the gutter, ensuring that the gutters are 100% in working order before installing guards. It is important that an experienced installer does the installation to make sure that all panels are installed and pitched correctly.
Q. Can I install mesh guards myself?
A. Installation of professional mesh guards must be done by an authorized dealer. Our installation crew members must undergo a training session conducted by the manufacturer before they can install the specific guards we use. There are several reasons why it is necessary for professionals to perform this installation, including their ability to anticipate and prevent potential issues. It is essential that your gutters are fully functional before installing guards. Additionally, it is crucial that an experienced installer performs the installation to ensure that all panels are correctly installed and angled.
Q. Is there anything I should do after my guards are installed?
A. After installation, we recommend that you wear a raincoat and carry an umbrella during the second significant rainfall. This is because the product may contain oils and greasing agents from the manufacturing process, which will be washed away during the first rain. Please inspect the house for any areas where water may overshoot the gutters and take note of their location. If there are any such areas, please inform us, and we will make the necessary adjustments. As a homeowner, it is crucial to ensure that there are no issues with your home.
Sales Experience
Q. A salesperson from another company said they have a lifetime guarantee also. Why do so many companies offer a lifetime warranty?
A. It is a widely used marketing tactic in the industry. Generally, when a company providing gutter guards offers a lifetime warranty, it implies that they will return to clean your gutters at no extra cost. However, this also means that you are dependent on their schedule, which could potentially result in your gutters remaining clogged for weeks.
Q. I have seen a couple other products that use stainless steel mesh. What’s the difference?
A. Every gutter guard product has a unique set of characteristics that distinguishes it from the rest. Therefore, we take it upon ourselves to thoroughly research each product we offer to our clients, ensuring that we provide a guard with the best possible combination of features to safeguard and enhance the gutter. We constantly update ourselves with the latest gutter guard FAQs to stay informed. The particular guard we use has an interchangeable mesh that can adjust to different situations, making it highly adaptable. As a result, the mesh can be replaced without having to reinstall the entire guard.
Q. Some of the sales people that have come out have been very pushy. Are your salespeople like that?
A. It is unfortunate that some companies incentivize their salespeople to do anything to secure a sale, which seems like a poor decision. We, on the other hand, have chosen a different approach, which involves solving problems instead of just selling products. This entails meeting with homeowners, listening to their concerns, and determining the best solution for their unique situation. To reflect this approach, we have renamed our salespeople “Solutionists.” The Solutionist will inspect and measure your gutters and provide you with a written proposal. We highly recommend that homeowners be present during the estimate to hear the presentation and communicate any gutter-related issues they may be experiencing. This will greatly contribute to ensuring your complete satisfaction.
