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A P R I L , 2 0 1 8
S
ifting through the information on
the numerous options available
can be daunting. There are
gutter screens, guards, filters, helmets
and inserts and variations of each.
Additionally, the costs vary consid-
erably. While some gutter coverings
are sold in standard three or four foot
sections, coverings that are adjusted
per linear foot can be as inexpensive
as $2.80 for plastic screens and go
up to an installed price of $14.00 per
linear foot for helmets. Bulk purchases
can reduce these fees from $1.75 to
$5.50. The majority of gutter cover-
GUTTER COVERINGS
Which (If Any) is Right
For Your Community?
By Dan Fusco, CMCA, Vice President
Associa - Community Management Corporation
© iStockphoto.com
ings, with the exception of the helmets
(which are installed by a professional
contractor), can easily be installed by
a superintendent or handyman.
Metal screens can be hinged or
the drop-in type for standard “K style”
gutters. [sic] Plastic or metal screens
are the easiest to install although they
will allow some bugs and debris to
get into the gutter.
The gutter cover looks like a cap
over your gutter. Water flows from
the roof over the cover and into a slot
along the front edge.
Foam filters are water-permeable
inserts. They can be treated to resist
mold, repel insects and should also
be treated with a fire retardant. Foam
filters fit both “K style” and half round
gutters. The black polymer can dry
some of the leaves that fall into the
gutters which may eventually y blow
away in the wind.
Gutter helmets, similar to guards
and covers, extend over the width
of the gutter. Gutter helmets can be
extremely effective on buildings that
are surrounded by large trees such
that very little debris winds up in the
gutter.
As associations begin to
schedule spring gutter cleanings,
many boards contemplate the
installation of gutter coverings....