What are Gutter Covers Made From? (And Why It Matters)

By Chelsea Welsh.

Like gutters, roof gutter guard systems come in many different materials and styles.

Editor's note: Use the information in this article to help educate your customers about gutter covers or to help get employees new to roofing up to speed. 

What gutter guards are made from makes a difference in how they work and how long they last. Different materials endure and work differently. Here are the most common materials you’ll find gutter protection products made from, and why they may or may not be a good option for your customers' homes.

Common Materials

The three most common materials you’ll find gutter protection made from are aluminum, lightweight metal or nylon mesh, and plastic. Each has its own drawbacks and benefits.

• Aluminum – You can find many roof gutter guard systems made from aluminum. However, if they’re not finished with a high-grade paint, they may corrode or the paint color may fade. One benefit is that aluminum is lightweight, but how well it works depends on the design.

• Metal mesh – Mesh style gutter covers come in both metal and nylon. They are inexpensive and easy to install. However, they become clogged easily as they are installed on top of the gutter. Depending on the opening size, this may allow smaller debris to pass through and clog the gutters. These are generally two inexpensive materials.

• Plastic – One similarity between plastic gutter covers, no matter the design, is that they don’t age well. In cold environments, they may crack when subjected to freezing temperatures and ice, and in hot climates, the sun will age the plastic. If you’re in a cold region where heated gutter systems provide the benefit of reducing ice dams, you definitely don’t want plastic gutter covers.

Unusual Gutter Cover Materials

The two least common gutter cover materials are copper and foam. Copper isn’t used unless people have copper gutters and feel that they’ll clash if they’re not the same material. They are very expensive and some do work, depending on their design. On the other end of the spectrum is foam. This is the cheapest of all gutter protection materials. Simply put, it’s foam that can be cut to fit in your gutters. It clogs and damages easily.

Design Matters

It should be clear that the design of the gutter cover may make a bigger difference than the actual material. The patented design of Gutter Helmet® funnels debris over the edge of the gutter while the water flows into the gutter. These covers are made from heavy-gauge aluminum and finished with Kynar® paint system for a PermaLife™ finish. PermaLife stands up to pollutants, acid rain and even saltwater for a long-lasting finish that resists fading and corrosion. And if you need heated gutter systems, Gutter Helmet pairs perfectly with Helmet Heat® to help prevent ice dams.

If you're interested in becoming a Gutter Helmet dealer and offering this product to your customers visit www.becomeaghdealer.com. 

Original article source: Gutter Helmet