Gutter cover assembly for mounting on a roof edge, and corresponding method

Abstract

A gutter cover assembly and corresponding methods of use, where the assembly is generally adapted for mounting on the edge of a roof and over an adjacent gutter. The assembly includes a cover adapted to extend over the edge of a roof and an adjacent gutter. The cover includes a mounting portion adapted for mounting on the roof, and a guard portion adapted to extend over the gutter to prevent leaves and debris from entering the gutter. The assembly also includes a support disposed under the guard portion to support the guard portion over the gutter. The cover is slideably disposed relative to the support before the cover is fixedly mounted on the roof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 553,506, filed Mar. 16, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The subject invention relates generally to gutter covers, and more specifically to gutter covers that can be installed on roofing decks having a variety of pitches, while providing venting through the roofing deck. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Rain gutters can be mounted on sides of buildings, just below a roofline to facilitate runoff of water from a roof. However, rain gutters can clog with debris such as leaves or twigs, rendering the rain gutter susceptible to backing up with rain or snow. Even worse, a clogged rain gutter can cause the buildup of snow or ice on the roof and form ice dams that can damage the roof and leak into the building. A number of gutter screens and shields exist to prevent debris from collecting in the gutter. However, screens ne...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a gutter cover assembly for mounting on the edge of a roof and over an adjacent gutter. The assembly includes a cover, a mounting portion for mounting on the roof, and a guard portion for extending over the gutter to prevent leaves and debris from entering the gutter. The assembly also includes a support disposed under the guard portion to support the guard portion over the gutter. The cover is slideably disposed relative to the support before being fixedly mounted on the roof. The invention also includes a method for protecting a roof edge and a gutter adjacent to the roof edge by covering the vent with a cover, adjusting the cover to extend over the gutter, and fixing the cover to the roof edge. The invention allows roofers to address multiple roofing issues with a single device, making it easier and more cost-effective to replace a roof."

Problems solved by technology

However, rain gutters can clog with debris such as leaves or twigs, rendering the rain gutter susceptible to backing up with rain or snow.

Even worse, a clogged rain gutter can cause the buildup of snow or ice on the roof and form ice dams that can damage the roof and leak into the building.

However, screens need regular cleaning or they may become clogged by debris, preventing the flow of water from entering the gutter.

However, these covers have a number of drawbacks.

Screws connecting the cover to the rain gutter may cause leaks and cracks in the rain gutter.

Extra brackets and clips that attach to the rain gutter can add complexity to the gutter cover installation and therefore may add cost to the consumer.

However, air vents do not protect the rain gutters below the air vent from clogging.

This may cause water damage inside the building including in the ceiling and down the inside of the walls.

Moreover, mold may grow where the inside of the building got wet.

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