Leak diverter device for use with gutters

Abstract

A leak diverter device for use with gutters is provided. The leak diverter device provides a novel and effective method for diverting water leaked from a gutter away from a fascia board or other moisture sensitive material. The leak diverter device is generally installed between a gutter and the fascia board adjacent a joint in the gutter. The leak diverter blocks leaked water from contacting the fascia board and directs it down and away from the fascia board toward the ground. The leak diverter device generally comprises a first portion located substantially parallel to a fascia board and a second portion protruding from the first portion away from the fascia board. Additionally, it is preferable that the angle between the first portion and the second portion be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Furthermore, the leak diverter device may be installed adjacent a straight section of gutter or may be installed at a corner where two gutter sections join. When installed at a corner, the first portion and the second portion of the leak diverter include two sections that are at an angle to each other that is substantially the same as the angle of the corner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of gutters, and more particularly, an apparatus for diverting water leaked from a gutter away from a structure to prevent moisture damage to the structure. BACKGROUND [0002] Gutters have been used for centuries to collect rainwater running off of a building's roof and to channel the water to a downspout to take the water to the ground. It is desirable to collect the water and transfer it to the ground with minimal water contacting the building. Wood or corrosive materials may be damaged with prolonged exposure to water. Accordingly, it is highly desirable to provide gutters that do not leak. This is especially troublesome on most residential structures where the gutters are installed adjacent a fascia board, which is generally susceptible to rot. If the gutters leak onto the fascia board, it may rot and require costly repairs. [0003] Today, gutters are typically constructed of aluminum, because of its non-co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention provides a leak diverter for diverting leaked water from a gutter away from a structure. The leak diverter device provides a novel and effective method for diverting water leaked from a gutter away from a fascia board or other moisture sensitive material. The leak diverter-may be installed along with a new gutter system at each gutter seam or gutter joint to divert any water leaked through the joint away from the structure on which the gutter is installed. Additionally, the leak diverter may be installed in an existing gutter system when leaks are discovered or as a preventative measure to combat potential leaks and to preserve the structure on which the gutter is mounted. In residential applications, the gutter is typically mounted to a fascia board and thus the leak diverter may be installed between the gutter and the fascia board.

[0012] The leak diverter is preferably impervious to water to protect the fascia board by serving as a barrier to water leaking from the gutter. The leak diverter also preferably has a surface that allows leaked water to run down the leak diverter and to drip away from the fascia board.

Problems solved by technology

Wood or corrosive materials may be damaged with prolonged exposure to water.

This is especially troublesome on most residential structures where the gutters are installed adjacent a fascia board, which is generally susceptible to rot.

If the gutters leak onto the fascia board, it may rot and require costly repairs.

Unfortunately, wherever there is a joint, the gutters are prone to leaking.

Even when sealed, these joints eventually develop leaks.

Thus, even this improved installation method yields the same leakage issues.

Such sealants are often initially effective, but temperature changes due to the weather put a strain on the sealant.

It is very difficult for a sealant to maintain a water tight seal over time when exposed to intense summer heat and winter cold.

The gutter is constantly expanding and contracting with the environmental temperature and unless the sealant expands and contracts at the same rate, gaps will form.

Once a gap forms, a leak is likely to follow.

Another problem is that if a leak develops after installation, it can be very difficult to reapply the sealant in the gutters.

This is especially problematic in some of today's covered gutter systems where the covers limit, or prevent, access to the inside of the gutter without disassembling the gutter.

While, disassembly is possible, it greatly increases the time, effort, and cost associated with accessing the inside of the gutter.

This solution is undesirable for many installations.

Since the plate must extend past the fascia board, it can be unsightly, especially when wide fascia boards are used.

Additionally, the Okolischan device does not direct the water away from the structure, it merely allows it to drip down from below the fascia board.

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