Gutter and roof protection system

Abstract

A gutter and roof protection system 10 comprises a gutter cover 16; a plurality of brackets 18 for supporting the gutter cover over a gutter 12 attached to a roof 14 of a building; an elongated rigid channel 20 supported by the brackets; and a heating element 22 for placement in the channel. The heating element is connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to generate heat and melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The elongated channel retains the heating element and prevents it from moving, without the use of additional fasteners. The elongated channel also positions the heating element below the gutter cover so the channel and heating element do not impede the normal flow of water over the gutter cover or collect debris.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to gutters, gutter covers, and ice and snow melting systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a gutter and roof protection system with a heating element supported by an elongated channel carried by spaced-apart brackets. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Gutters are often installed on houses and other buildings to collect and carry water away from roofs and other sloped surfaces. Unfortunately, gutters often become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, thus limiting their ability to collect water. Clogged gutters can also overflow, causing water damage to fascia and soffits of the buildings to which they are attached. Gutter covers, such as the ones described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,557,891; 5,660,001; and 6,098,344 have been developed to alleviate these problems. [0005] Roofs and other sloped surfaces are also subject to the accumulation of snow and ice, espe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of gutter covers and heating cables. More particularly, the present invention provides a gutter and roof protection system which more effectively and efficiently prevents the clogging of gutters and the formation of ice dams.

[0009] The gutter and roof protection system of the present invention comprises a gutter cover; a plurality of brackets for supporting the gutter cover over a gutter attached to a building; an elongated rigid channel supported by the brackets; and a heating element for placement in the channel. The heating element is connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to generate heat and melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The elongated channel retains the heating element and prevents it from moving, without the use of additional fasteners. The elongated channel also positions the heating element under the gutter cover so the heating element doesn't impede the normal flow of water over the gutter cover or collect debris.

[0012] In another embodiment, the elongated channel includes a base for placement on top of the brackets and two spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls for receiving the heating element therebetween. This embodiment places the heating element immediately below a lower surface of the gutter cover and on top of the brackets, thus reducing the spacing between the heating element and the gutter cover and therefore transferring more heat to the gutter cover.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, gutters often become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, thus limiting their ability to collect water.

Clogged gutters can also overflow, causing water damage to fascia and soffits of the buildings to which they are attached.

Roofs and other sloped surfaces are also subject to the accumulation of snow and ice, especially on eaves and overhangs which are not positioned over heated areas.

Accumulated snow and ice can cause “ice dams” on roofs, gutters, and gutter covers which interfere with the normal shedding and collection of water.

Over prolonged periods of time, the freezing and subsequent thawing cycle of the water expands these cracks, eventually damaging the roof and underlying materials.

Such ice dams also often break away and fall to the ground, potentially causing injury to persons and damage to property below.

However, heating cables must be fastened with staples, nails or other fasteners or they will move over time and require repositioning.

Use of such fasteners creates holes in the roofs and / or gutters, resulting in damage due to water infiltration and the subsequent freezing and thawing described above.

This placement of heating cables on top of roof shingles and gutters also creates an impediment to the normal flow of water and can trap leaves and other debris.

Heating cables and other de-icing products can be installed underneath roof shingles to avoid some of the above-described problems, but doing so requires a great deal of labor, especially for existing roofs.

Covering heating cables with shingles also reduces their ability to melt snow and ice and increases the risk of fires.

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