About This Guide
This guide was produced by GuttaFilta™ in order to aid consumers
as they research gutter protection. There are many types of gutter
protection systems on the market and it’s crucial that property
owners understand the pros and cons of each. The GuttaFilta™
Consumer Guide exists in order to provide consumers knowledge
that may help them determine which gutter protection system is right
for their needs.
About GuttaFilta™
GuttaFilta™ has installed more than 500,000 metres of gutter
protection on homes, schools and commercial enterprises across
Queensland and Australia. 500,000 metres with 100% effectiveness.
GuttaFilta™, as per our guarantee of success, really does work.
Introduced in 2011, GuttaFilta™ gutter protection is a genuine cost
effective solution to the maintenance and associated issues that
come with clogged and littered gutters. Our state-of-the-art porous
flexible foam technology ensures a manufactured revolutionary
product that can significantly reduce to near zero trips up your ladder
to clean your clogged gutters. You can virtually say goodbye to having
to get your gutters cleaned. GuttaFilta™ gutter protection provides
you and your home with a comprehensive property protection system
that is guaranteed to keep your gutters clog free.
What is the Purpose of Gutters?
The main purpose of gutters is to take water away from the foundation
of the house. If water pools at the foundation or if the torrent of rain
falls down and enters below or at the foundation it may cause settling
cracks. Gutters make sure that water does not gather on your roof and
also water is diverted away from your house correctly. Gutters also
enable rainwater to be captured in water tanks.
Standing water in your gutters can be dangerous, can cause damage
to your gutters and can be unhealthy. Clogged gutters can lead to:
. Water leaks
. Breeding ground for
mosquitoes & pests
. White Ants - as they are
attracted to dripping water
. Rust
. Overflowing
. Internal home
damage from flooding
When water pools near the foundation, two major issues can arise
along with a host of smaller problems. Firstly, pooling water means
the soil underneath the water is completely saturated, placing an
enormous amount of pressure on the side of your home. Over time,
this pressure can cause the lower walls to push inward or crack.
Secondly, when water finally drains off, it may erode away the soil,
causing the foundation to settle. This can eventually result in uneven
floors or cracks in walls and chimneys.
Once cracks appear in the foundation, even if a collapse is not about
to happen, water will then enter the home through those cracks where
it can cause damage and mould growth. Also, as gutters and valleys
get filled up with debris, it can cause overflowing back into your home
leading to extensive internal damage.
Protecting your gutters with a gutter protection system from debris
piling up will keep your gutters clean, they will last longer and avoid
unnecessary damage to your home. Correct gutter protection enables
your gutters to function as they are designed to.
When Gutters Fail
CLOGS
Roof litter and silt captured in gutters is a recurring problem resulting
in blockage of gutters and down pipes. This causes rain water to
overflow from the gutters or backfill into building structures.
LEAKS & CRACKS
Damage to gutters through retention of moisture in gutters arises
from litter accumulation. Government studies show the effective life
of the gutter is greatly reduced if kept in a debris filled state.
MISALIGNMENT
As a result of clogged gutters, the gutters tend to become heavy and
can sag, bow or in fact break away from the fascia.
POOR DESIGN
Rooves that have been fitted with a gutter may not have been installed
correctly. Gutters must be installed with a “fall” so that water flows
towards the down-pipe or drain connection. Gutters with inadequate
fall will allow water to pool shortening the life of the gutter. This
damage is exaserbated when the water fills with debris.
MOSQUITOES
Government advice warns us that gutters are one of the main breeding
grounds for mosquitoes with Dengue Fever and Ross River Fever
being two serious mosquito borne diseases.
TERMITES
Dripping water from leaking gutters can attract white ants.
What’s Wrong if the Gutter Protection has Small Openings?
A Gutter Protection is not effective over time when it has a small
opening or openings. If there are any holes or gaps, roof litter will get
into your gutters over time. People may tell you otherwise, but if you
see any holes or gaps, then roof litter will get into your gutters.
• Is there an opening large enough to allow wasps in?
. Is there an opening large enough to allow pine needles in?
. Is there an opening large enough to allow roof litter and grit in?
. Is there an opening large enough to allow seeds from bird droppings into the gutter.
. Is there an opening large enough to allow mosquitoes in?
SOMETHING ELSE TO CONSIDER — GETTING DEBRIS OUT:
Some gutter protection systems that are partially sealed, but still have
holes and openings, will allow debris to enter and, therefore, build up
in your gutters. This build up must require cleaning in time.
Getting the debris out of your gutters may be a difficult task,
especially if the gutter protection system has been secured by screws
and glue to your roof. (Often gutter protection warranties are voided if
the filter is removed — even just for cleaning).
Protect Your Roof Warranty
There are a large number of gutter protection systems on the market
and some will void your roof warranty.
The roof warranty will be usually voided if you screw anything into
the roof.
Make sure you review your roof warranty first before deciding on a
gutter protection system.
Generally drilling holes in your roof for any reason will compromise
any warranty given to you by the supplier/installer of the roof.
Types of Gutter Protection
Gutter Protection is an important part of a building’s roofing.
It is important to install a gutter protection system that will demand
very little maintenance and one that will be able to keep out debris and
leaves from the guttering — to enable your gutters to work efficiently.
There are two categories that the Gutter Protection falls into:
• DIY & Professionally Installed.
GuttaFilta™ falls into both of those categories:
Whilst GuttaFilta™ is a very easy DIY product consideration must be
given to safety. Climbing on ladders and rooves can be dangerous.
If you do decide to go down the DIY path (whatever protection system
you decide on), make sure there are no small openings or holes in
the gutter protection. If there are gaps left even though you have
gutter protection, it will lead to the need to clean your gutters out.
The more gaps and the bigger the holes the more often cleaning will
need to be done.
Whilst very unlikely to have to clean your gutters once GuttaFilta™ is
installed, if you do need to, it is a very easy process.
. Step 1: Remove or uninstall GuttaFilta™
(simply eased out of the gutter)
. Step 2: Clean your gutters
. Step 3: Reinstall your GuttaFilta™
If you are looking for a solution that requires little to no maintenance
then GuttaFilta™ DIY might be the best option for you.
The DIY & Professionally Installed Systems — Mesh (Plastic & Metal)
Mesh screens can be found at any major hardware store, or from
agents who make a living from installing various types. They are
typically made out of a steel, aluminium, fibreglass or plastic and are
in various lengths. They install on top of your existing gutters and are
secured by screws or adhesives or loosely fitted.
CLOG CONCERNS
These types of protection will keep out the large leaves and birds
but they will allow pine needles, seeds, soot, wasps and other debris
into your gutters. Anything that can fit inside an opening will make
their way into your gutters. Over time this gradual build up leads to a
complete clogging of your gutters. If the mesh has gaps over 5ml they
cannot work even in the short term.
If the mesh is fine (less than 5ml) then debris will still build up in your
gutters — it just takes a little longer.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE CONCERNS
When the pine needles, seeds, soot and grit etc, get into your gutters,
how are you going to get it out?
The only way to do that is to remove the mesh and if it is screwed or
glued on, this is an extremely difficult task.
MESH SCREENS (PLASTIC)
PROS CONS
Relatively Easy to Install Easily Clogged by Small Debris
Inexpensive/Cheap Prone to Bowing & Displacement
Installs on Top of Existing Gutters Constant Maintenance Required
Not a Long Term Solution
Allows Mosquitoes to get to the
gathered water & breed
MESH SCREENS (FIBREGLASS)
PROS CONS
Difficult to Install Will get Clogged by Debris over
time
Works Short Term Needs Screws & Glues
Relatively Inexpensive Easily Damaged
Installs on Top of Existing Gutters Prone to Bowing & Displacement
Routine Maintenance Required
Not a Long Term Solution
May void Roof Warranties
Allows Mosquitoes to get to the
gathered water & breed
MESH SCREENS (ALUMINIUM)
PROS CONS
Difficult to Install Will get Clogged by
Debris over time
Works Short Term Needs Screws & Glues
Installs on Top of Existing Gutters Prone to Bowing & Displacement
Long Warranty
(with Qualification)
Routine Maintenance Required
Not a Long Term Solution
Difficult to Maintain if Breached
May Void Roof Warranties
Expensive
Allows Mosquitoes to get to the
gathered water & breed
The DIY Systems — Brush Inserts
Gutter brushes are cylindrical brushes placed in your gutters to
prevent leaves from entering the gutter’s water channel. The brush
material is made of polypropylene material around a galvanised steel
wire. Brushes fit all sizes and lengths of gutters due to the flexible
nature of the material and they do not require tools to install. It’s a
very simple solution, but there are some serious flaws and concerns.
CLOG CONCERNS
It will not keep most debris out of your gutters. The spacing and gaps
between the spikes allow leaves, needles, seeds and other debris
to settle and become lodged within the spikes. As the brush inserts
collect leaves and other material, they can also create the ideal home
for birds and other nesting animals. Indeed, dead animals and birds
can still wash into your gutters and decompose there.
This type of insert will require regular cleaning which will mean
removing the brush inserts in order to clean and dislodge debris.
PROS CONS
Easy to Install Easily Clogged by Small Debris
Inexpensive Ideal for Nesting Animals
Installs on Top of Existing Gutters Regular Maintenance Required
Short Term, Ineffective System
Allows Mosquitoes to get to the
gathered water & breed
The DIY Systems — Plastic Screens
Plastic Screens are similar to Mesh Screens, except plastic is used.
The installation is usually based on sliding into place, no screws
needed — however it does sometimes require glues and tapes.
Plastic such as vinyl or PVC are suitable for exterior home use if they
are UV stable. Plastic screens are available in various lengths, panels
or rolled bundles.
CLOG CONCERNS
Plastic screens typically have wide openings that will allow almost
every type of debris to enter your gutters.
PROS CONS
Easy to Fit Easily Clogged by Small Debris
Inexpensive Prone to Bowing & Displacement
Won’t Disturb your
Gutters or Roofing
Regular Maintenance Needed
Installs on Top of Existing Gutters Not a Long Term Solution
Allows Mosquitoes to get to the
gathered water & breed
GuttaFilta™
GuttaFilta™ is a Property Protection System that really works by
keeping gutters clean. It is a genuine cost effective solution to the
maintenance and associated issues that come with clogged and
littered gutters.
GuttaFilta™ will provide Sustainable Benefits as it:
. Will not damage your rooves or gutters during or
after installation;
. Will not result in voiding of roof and gutter warranties;
. Will keep your gutters clean and dry - if the gutters have
been installed correctly;
. Is easy to handle and won’t dent or crack;
. Can be provided in any shape or size;
. Can also be used for valleys, frog mouth gutter fittings &
tanks - even drains in the ground;
. Inhibits the development of larvae by keeping mosquitoes
away from any water build up; and
. Will greatly reduce the ongoing maintenance required.
CLOG CONCERNS
Unlike other systems, GuttaFilta™ does not have any openings that
will allow debris to enter your gutters.
PROS CONS
Easy to Install
Inexpensive
Won’t Disturb your
Gutters or Roofing
Installs on Top of Existing Gutters
Minimal Maintenance
Stops Mosquitoes Breeding
in your Gutters
Summary
It is important with any gutter protection system, whether DIY or
professionally installed, that a full understanding of each product
is gained before making a purchase. A significant proportion of
products offered just simply do NOT work at all and another significant
proportion only work for a short term.
GuttaFilta™ is the only product that will, we believe, perform both
short and long term.
Understanding Warranties/Guarantees
Most professionally installed systems offer some type of warranty or
guarantee. If not, they are not worth purchasing.
Here’s what consumers should look for in a warranty.
. How long is the warranty coverage?
. Is the warranty transferrable?
. Will anything void my warranty such as removing to clean?
. Does it guarantee that my gutters won’t clog and if they do
clog, does the installing company clean my gutters?
. Does the warranty guarantee that the product is free from all
defects in manufacture?
. Will installation void my roof or gutter warranty?
Gutter Protection Pricing
Gutter Protection pricing varies from category to category
(DIY installed and Professionally Installed options).
Professionally installed systems typically require a visit to your home.
A professional estimator will:
. Measure your existing gutters
. Measure the roof/gutter height
. Count the number of corners
. Assess any problem areas
(cracked gutters, sagging gutters, etc.)
. Provide an overview or product demonstration
. Provide a written quote
Top Questions to Ask When Selecting Gutter Protection
Below are some “must ask” questions that every homeowner should
get answers to before selecting a gutter protection system.
1. What is the cost/estimate? How long does the quote last?
2. Is there a warranty? What does it cover? How long does it
apply for? Is it transferable?
3. Is it a completely sealed system? Are there any holes or
openings? Can mosquitoes get into your gutters?
4. How do you train, or oversee, your installers? What quality
control measures do you employ?
5. Will the installation impact or disturb my roof? Does the
product install under my roofing material or does it screw
or glue onto it?
6. How much rain can the gutter protection handle?
7. Do you guarantee that my gutters won’t clog?
8. Does removal of product to clean, if required, void my
warranty for the protective system or of that of my
roof or gutter?
9. What type of maintenance, if any, is required?
10. How long have you been in business? How can I be sure
you will be around to handle any service issues?
11. Who do I contact for service issues? What is the
typical response time?
Gutter Protection Buyer’s Checklist
Below are some great things to check off your list when researching
Gutter Protections.
Protect your roof!
Confirm that the product does not
impact your roofing material in any way.
Confirm that there are no holes or openings wide
enough for the smallest debris grit, pine needles or
mosquitoes to enter.
Confirm the pricing and the duration that the estimate
will be honored.
Review the guarantee/warranty.
Confirm how installers are trained and what quality
control measures are used.
Confirm who you contact for support or maintenance.