Consumer Guide
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 exacerbated 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Confirm that your warranty is registered.