Gutter cover with passive ice and snow melt

Abstract

A gutter cover which more effectively and efficiently prevents the clogging of gutters and the formation of ice dams without the use of heating cables and other active components. The gutter cover comprises a first section, a second section, and a passive heating element. The first section is adapted to be installed over or under roofing material covering the roof for directing water from the roof. The second section is attached to the first section and adapted to be installed over an open end of the gutter for directing the water from the roof into the gutter while preventing debris from entering the gutter. The passive heating element is provided for absorbing heat from sunlight and thereby preventing or minimizing accumulation of snow or ice on or near the second section without the use of heating cables or other active heating components.

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 cover with a passive heating element for preventing or reducing the accumulation of snow and ice. [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, thereby 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, especially on eaves a...

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 ice and snow melting systems. More particularly, the present invention provides a gutter cover which more effectively and efficiently prevents the clogging of gutters and the formation of ice dams without the use of heating cables and other active components.

[0009] The gutter cover comprises a first section, a second section, and a passive heating element. The first section is adapted to be installed over or under roofing material covering the roof for directing water from the roof. The second section is attached to the first section and adapted to be installed over an open end of the gutter for directing the water from the roof into the gutter while preventing debris from entering the gutter. The passive heating element is provided for absorbing heat from sunlight and thereby preventing or minimizing accumulation of snow or ice on or near the second section without the use of heating cables or other active heating components.

[0011] In another embodiment, the passive heating element is a portion of the second section that has been coated with a darkened coating. For example, an elongated strip or section of the second section may be painted with black paint to absorb heat from sunlight and thereby eliminate or reduce the accumulation of snow and ice near the second section. Remaining portions of the gutter cover can then be painted or otherwise colored to match or complement the color of the building to which the gutter is attached or the gutter itself.

[0012] In another embodiment, the passive heating element is a portion of the second section formed from a material with a high thermal conductivity. For example, the gutter cover may be formed of a suitable material such as aluminum, and the heating element may be formed from a length of copper that is integrally formed with the remaining portions of the gutter cover. Because copper has a high thermal conductivity, the copper heating element absorbs and transfers heat from sunlight to eliminate or minimize the accumulation of snow and ice on or near the gutter cover.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, gutters often become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, thereby 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 on roofs, gutters, and gutter covers can cause “ice dams” which interfere with the normal shedding and collection of water.

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

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 connected to a source of electricity, are expensive to purchase and operate, and are difficult to install.

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.

The 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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