Frequently Asked Questions About Leaf Defier™

Would it be cheaper just to pay someone to clean out the gutters several times a year, or do it yourself?

questions about gutter protection systems The true cost of unprotected gutters is much more than the cleaning expense. When gutters become full of debris and standing water, the weight makes them sag and pull away from the home. During the winter this standing water will freeze into a heavy block of ice. During heavy rains clogged gutters will overflow and damage the home. If gutters connect to an underground drain, the drain will clog with debris and require a plumber to clear it. By the time the gutters are cleaned, all this damage is already done. Repeat traffic on a roof will damage the shingles. Ladders placed in flower beds and against gutters will damage both. If an uninsured gutter cleaner is injured on the job, the homeowner may be held liable for their injuries. Many homeowners are seriously injured every year falling off roofs and ladders. With Leaf Defier™ installed all these costs and injuries are avoided. It's hard to put a price on peace of mind.

In what types of gutters does Leaf Defier™ fit?

The standard Leaf Defier™ product fits both 5-inch and 6-inch standard "K" style gutters. K style gutters have a standard shape and standard dimensions (See "How to Measure" for a picture of a K style gutter). K style gutters are the most prevalent gutters in the United States. Other common types of gutters are "fascia" gutters and "half-round" gutters. Fascia gutters are more common on the west coast of the United States. They are box shaped and typically deeper than K style gutters. The standard 6-inch K style gutter is about 5 inches deep. If your gutters are deeper than 5 inches, they are not standard K style gutters. Half-round gutters are installed throughout the country. They are round on the bottom and resemble a pipe cut in half. These two types of gutters do not have standard sizes, and have different dimensions than K style gutters. The standard Leaf Defier™ product WILL NOT fit these gutters. However, special order Leaf Defier™ is available for these gutters. If you think you have one of these types of gutter, or you don't know, please contact us for assistance.

Can I install Leaf Defier™ myself?

Yes. Hardware or special tools are not required. HOWEVER, UNLESS YOU CAN SAFELY WORK ON A LADDER, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION BY AN AUTHORIZED LEAF DEFIER™ DEALER.

Can Leaf Defier™ be removed from the gutters if necessary?

Yes. THIS CAN SAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS and gives Leaf Defier™ another important advantage over screens and metal covers. When a gutter system is replaced, Leaf Defier™ is easily removed from the old system and installed in the new. When a homeowner sells a house, they can easily remove Leaf Defier™ and install it on a new house. Most screens and metal covers require replacement when a new gutter system is installed. In addition, it is virtually impossible to take screens or metal covers off one house and install on another because they are cut and custom made for each gutter configuration, not to mention nailed or screwed down.

What maintenance is required after installation?

Leaf Defier™ creates a flat surface at the top of the gutter and essentially turns gutters into an extension of the roof. Unless the wind is blocked, wind will remove most debris. Just like a roof, debris can accumulate on Leaf Defier™ in areas protected from the wind. However, debris resting on top does not materially affect the product's performance. Water flows through the debris, the product and the debris-free gutter system, even in heavy rains. We recommend blowing or sweeping the debris off these protected areas once a year. Both the roof and Leaf Defier™ will look better, perform better, and last longer.

In what lengths does Leaf Defier™ come?

Leaf Defier™ comes in 4 feet sections for both 5-inch and 6-inch gutters. A section can easily be cut into shorter lengths with a pair of scissors.

What does Leaf Defier™ feel like?

Leaf Defier™ feels like a sponge, only stiffer. After installation, it maintains its shape and will hold the weight of a brick without collapsing or losing its shape.

Does Leaf Defier™ hold water like a sponge or restrict the water flow?

Definitely not. Unlike a sponge, Leaf Defier™ is made from hydrophobic polyurethane that actually repels water. That and the proprietary open-cell design provide an INSTANT flow-through rate of over 98%. This is the highest flow-through rate of ANY gutter protection product. From a practical standpoint, it's as if Leaf Defier™ is not even there. Any remaining water continues to drip through the product and eventually drains or evaporates.

Will mold, mildew or algae form in Leaf Defier™? How about sprouting seeds, breeding insects, and bird nests?

Leaf Defier™ has a built-in biocide and fungicide that inhibit the growth of ANY type of plant including mold, mildew, algae, and sprouting seeds. This also inhibits breeding insects like mosquitoes, hornets and wasps. Leaf Defier™ keeps ALL debris out of the gutter including birds, insects and decaying debris. So no bird or insect nests are built, and no moist bed of decay develops that seeds need in order to sprout. In contrast, most other gutter protection products actually FACILITATE sprouting seeds and breeding insects by giving them shelter in a wet, decaying bed of debris!

Is there any kind of debris that makes Leaf Defier™ ineffective?

We have tested the effect of every common type of debris. This includes leaves, twigs, seeds, pine needles, pine cones, pollen, dirt, shingle grit, gravel; you name it. Not one of these prevented Leaf Defier™ from keeping the gutter system free of debris, unclogged and free flowing. Unless blocked from the wind, most debris will dry up and blow away. Our tests show that with common debris resting on top of Leaf Defier™, water makes its way around and through the debris, Leaf Defier™ and the gutter system. This holds true even during heavy water flow. NONE of the inexpensive screens or expensive gutter covers can make these claims.

How does Leaf Defier™ perform when temperatures drop below freezing and it starts snowing?

First, Leaf Defier™ does not retain water; therefore it will not freeze into a block of ice. Second, it keeps the gutter system free of debris and unclogged, leaving no standing water in the gutters to freeze into a block of ice. Snow will rest on top, then eventually melt and flow through the product. Leaf Defier™ retains heat and actually facilitates the melting of ice and snow. Leaf Defier™ is made from durable, external grade polyurethane.

Can the hot sun melt Leaf Defier™?

No. Leaf Defier™ is manufactured with a patent pending Advanced Protection™ process that includes an Extreme Defiance™ multi-polymer coating and a UV stabilizer. This protects it from the sun and all other types of extreme weather conditions including ice and snow. It can withstand temperatures ranging from – 150F to 260F.

Can the wind blow Leaf Defier™ out of the gutter?

No. Leaf Defier™ is shaped to fit snugly in the gutter and "locks in" under the gutter's top front lip. Also, Leaf Defier™ slides under the spikes or brackets common in most gutters.

How does Leaf Defier™ compare to other gutter protection products?

There are basically two other types of gutter protection products; the inexpensive screens and the expensive metal covers. Both types do not completely solve the problem and typically create other problems. Both do not keep all debris from entering the gutter, including seeds that sprout, pine needles, shingle grit, and breeding insects, to mention only a few. It is very difficult to get this debris out with a screen or metal cover on top of the gutters. Both do not work with certain gutter configurations or steep roof pitches. Both materially reduce or restrict the flow of water into the gutter system. Many expensive covers reduce the gutter opening from 5 or 6 inches to LESS THAN 1 INCH! Many of the screens and covers require a complicated, time-consuming installation. Some void roof warranties, displace shingles, or require a complete replacement of the gutter system. Most are made of material that is susceptible to bending, denting or cracking. Many change the look of a home. Leaf Defier™ has none of these drawbacks.

How does Leaf Defier™ compare to the other "foam" gutter protection products?

The old saying, "you get what you pay for" is especially true when comparing foam gutter protection products. First and foremost, Leaf Defier™ is made of durable, external grade polyurethane and manufactured with a patent pending Advanced Protection™ process that includes an Extreme Defiance™ multi-polymer coating and UV stabilizer. This protects Leaf Defier™ from the sun and all other types of extreme weather conditions including ice and snow, and ensures performance for many years. NO other foam product has these features or anything like them. Extensive testing by Leaf Defier™'s manufacturer revealed that without these features these foam products will not last as guaranteed. Leaf Defier™ was engineered with a unique open cell configuration to maximize water flow, minimize water retention, and block all debris. Leaf Defier™ is the only foam product engineered, tested and GUARANTEED BY THE MANUFACTURER to last for 25 years. Before you buy any foam gutter protection product, make sure you receive a written guarantee from the manufacturer of the product.

How does the COST of Leaf Defier™ compare to other gutter protection products?

Leaf Defier™ typically costs more than the inexpensive screens or foams and less than the expensive metal covers. When comparing products and prices, ask the following questions. Does the product completely solve the problem? Does the product solve the problem without creating other problems? Does the product utilize the gutter's full capacity? Are roofing and gutter warranties still intact after installation? Does the product work with all gutter configurations and roof pitches? Does the product work effectively in all debris and insect environments? Does the product hold up in all extreme weather conditions? Is the product easy to install? Can you install it yourself? Can the product be installed in existing gutters? Can the product be easily removed and reinstalled in another gutter system? Is the product invisible from the street after installation? Will the product not crack, shrink or dent? Is the product designed, tested, and guaranteed by the manufacturer to perform for 25 years? LEAF DEFIER™ IS THE ONLY GUTTER PROTECTION SYSTEM THAT YOU CAN CONSIDER AND SAY YES TO ALL THESE QUESTIONS. To put it another way, Leaf Defier™ is the only gutter protection system that ACTUALLY WORKS! This clearly makes Leaf Defier™ a bargain compared to all the ineffective gutter protection systems.
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If you are looking for a gutter protection, gutter cleaning or awnings for your Ohio home, please call us today at 419-532-3610 or complete our online request form.