Gutter protection system

Abstract

A gutter protection system includes a foam insert which is installed in the hanging gutters of commercial and residential buildings. The gutter insert allows rain water to drain into the gutters, yet it prevents debris from entering the channel and clogging the gutter pathway. The foam insert includes antimicrobial and / or UV stabilizer additives to improve the useful life of the foam insert.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to rain gutters, and particularly to inserts for preventing the blockage of open trough portions of rain gutters. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Rain gutters and water channeling devices are an integral part of almost every residential and most commercial buildings. These man-made water paths serve to collect rain water from the roof of said buildings and redirect that water stream away from the building and discharge it in some way through downspouts on the building. These channeling systems not only prevent water runoff from damaging the property around the building, but they also carry the water to locations not likely to endanger the structure of the building through water seepage or freeze / thaw circumstances. [0003] Since many homes and buildings are in some way surrounded by trees and other naturally occurring shrubs, it is critical to insure that the debris from these trees does not enter the water channeling system of the home or buil...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Should there be a collection of leaves, pine cones, pine needles and the like along with expected roof particle runoff in the gutter channels, it is very likely that the channel will become clogged and certainly will be less efficient in the redirection of rain water.

This gutter clogging and reduced water flow can only lead to structural damage to the building over time as water levels continue to rise and overflow the channeling system.

In severe freeze / thaw conditions, the damage caused by high water levels in these gutters becomes more complicated and poses an even greater risk to the building's structure.

In short, unless these gutter systems are kept free flowing and open to the redirection of rainwater, they may become an ongoing problem and maintenance issue for the homeowner or building manager.

In most cases, the homeowner will try to “free the gutters” in a number of ways and may take risks that are unnecessary to insure that these water channels are free flowing and open.

Potential issues with these prior foam products include degradation and shrinkage of the foam over time as a result of UV rays from the sun and microbial action on the structure of the foam itself.

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