What about metal reverse curve gutters?
Reverse curve technology has been around since the 1900s. According to the U.S. Patent Office, George Cassen first patented this type of technology on June 23, 1908. Since then, more than 100 companies – including LeafGuard and LeafFilter – have modified this technology to make it “unique” to their company. The reality is that all of these brands are so similar that the only significant difference is the way each company markets their product.
The science behind reverse curve gutters and why it’s a problem
Reverse curve gutters work exceptionally well, but only in a controlled environment. These systems work on water tension and the capillary action of liquids. This is fine, as long as you don’t break the surface tension. This only happens when you have a controlled (set amount) of water flowing into the gutter.
Here in the Seattle area, we get vastly different rates of rainfall. One day it’s a drizzle; the next day it’s a torrential downpour. This causes issues with reverse curve gutters, like LeafGuard. Increased rainfall means increased water flow, causing a break in surface tension and the water to simply pour over the gutters. Less rainfall means insufficient water flow to adequately remove the debris and worse, it causes the debris to just get hung up in the opening and block any and all water from passing inside. It’s important to understand that other gutter guard companies do not consider water running over the system as a clog.
If you are considering LeafGuard or another gutter guard company that sells a similar product, ask them what would happen if you increased or decreased the rate of water. Then, ask them to show you using their demo product.
We will bet that one of two things will happen (or both):
A. They will invent an excuse as to why they can’t do that with their product demo.
B. They will promise to come out and “clean” or “fix” your gutters if there is ever a problem.
If you’re ready to install a gutter guard system that works, contact Leafless in Portland for a free estimate on MasterShield gutter guards for your home.