Recently we were asked by a Client to remove a gutter debris protection system that they had in place on their home which we had installed within the past year.
The gutter debris protection system was functioning as it should, the challenge was that the Client did not like the appearance of the leaves, etc. that were getting caught up in its ‘bristles’.
While certainly disappointing to hear, I understood.
When it comes to gutter debris protection systems, a question should be asked:
“Do you want the most functional gutter debris protection system that you can possibly have, even if cosmetically, it may not be as attractive as other systems, or do you want something that performs reasonably well, is “normal”-looking from a cosmetic standpoint, but may not be necessarily the most optimal from a functionality standpoint that you can enjoy?”
Yes, a very long question.
However, I have come to realize that it is an important one to ask.
We sell both options at our company.
We have an option that is, what I believe, literally, the best solution from a functionality standpoint on the market.
The product does not allow ANYTHING to clog the gutter systems it is installed in, it takes up the entire inside of the gutter so no insects or birds are able to nest there, it is SUPER easy to remove if it needed to be either for its own maintenance or if the gutter system itself ever needed servicing/replacement, it is fairly cost-efficient, and it even helps to guard against ice damming!
The only item of concern we run into it on occasion is as in the example provided above, a Client may not like it from a cosmetic standpoint as debris could noticeably get caught up in it, until it gradually breaks down and either blows away or is naturally flushed through the gutter system over a period of time.
The other system we sell, I believe is comparable to many of the other ‘higher end’ systems out there and though a bit pricier than the more functional system, still performs fairly well as it does not allow debris into the gutters and you would never know it was actually attached to the gutter when looking at it.
The challenges with this particular system are, again, the same challenges you are apt to find with the pricier systems on the market, as it is not easily removed when the need of maintenance to the gutter system may arise, it is not as protective against the ‘birds & the bees’ nesting within it, and it does not guard against ice damming as well as the more functional option we offer – it sure does look great though!
Everybody is wired differently.
Some folks like certain things because they perform excellently, even though they might not look as appealing as other options out there.
Other folks would prefer something that looks as cosmetically pleasing as possible, even if there is some sacrifice in performance in comparison to other available options.
The world of gutter debris protection systems falls right into place in this conversation.
I, myself, generally prefer something that performs better than any other option even if it is not necessarily the most attractive, but that is simply my opinion.
You, on the other hand, may be perfectly fine with something which operates fairly but that looks as attractive as possible.
Regardless of whether your preference is optimal functionality or something that functions ‘ok’ but looks nice, the importance of having a gutter debris protection system in place to make an effort to prevent your gutters from clogging should NOT be overlooked, as clogged gutters can lead to some serious problems if allowed to exist and continue to subsist without being tended to and having a system put in place to attempt the challenge from happening again in the future.
