Flo-Free Leaf Guard -Gutter cover

I contacted the gutter guy. He said gutter cover is useless. I looked at this problem. I am wondering whether some one use this product and share their experience. Thx.

http://dciproducts.com/html/flofree.htm

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 10:41AM

Jason Fant

Real Estate Investor · Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina

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Icon_minipost Dec 01 '09, 11:45 PM

Looks pretty interesting. One of those simple things that I wish I would have thought of.

It has to be cheaper than the traditional surface tension guards since its really just a wide nylon sponge stuffed into the gutter. Let us know if you try it. I'd really be interested in how it works out.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 10:42AM

Joshua Dorkin

BiggerPockets Founder · Denver, Colorado

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Icon_minipost Dec 01 '09, 11:51 PM

That definitely looks interesting. I'm actually in the midst of getting bids on some gutter work and haven't seen anything like this before. I'd love some feedback as well.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 10:42AM

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Frances L

Homeowner · Abington, Pennsylvania

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Icon_minipost Dec 02 '09, 07:00 PM

I am looking for products to install;
no one I know seems install flor free yet. but I come across this website.
http://patricksheedy.net/blog/gutter-covers-leaf-guard-review/

Updated: 12:00AM, 12/03/2009

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-7941786.html some articles about Flo-Free Leaf Guard

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 10:43AM

Michael Shadow

Multi-family Investor · Bellefonte, Pennsylvania

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Icon_minipost Dec 14 '09, 01:16 AM

Yikes, I don't think that thing would work where I live. In the winter the snow melting off the roof would run into the gutter and probably freeze on contact with the filter material. After a little while this would create an ice dam which would then continue up the roof backing water up under the shingles causing roof damage eventually.

Another issue I see with it is that it would eventually get plugged up with grit and dirt then water wouldn't flow into your gutter anymore and probably begin to flow where you do not want it to flow. Possibly creating another backup problem like the winter scenario above.

-Michael

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 10:50AM

Jack London

Structural Engineer · Canton, Georgia

1 post
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Icon_minipost Jan 23 '11, 08:33 PM

As a small sized contractor in North Ga, I look for new products which can help my clients, and, frankly, make me more money. I saw this product, and all the great reviews, and was taken in..it LOOKS good, but in reality, the "lip" created when it is installed according to instructions is prone to catching debris, and clogging..I have had to clean it about twice a year. Now the big problem. If you get any snow, or ice, the snow freezing and thawing will "grab" the material and pull it out of the gutter. The Mfr requires the use of "ice cleats" to keep this from happening, but in my experience, it would not have helped. The guarantee, although it LOOKS impressive, is basically useless. here is a picture:http://s1189.photobucket.com/albums/z422/bmwrider2003/?action=view&current=gutterpics021.jpg

Updated: 11:20AM, 01/24/2011

Sorry..the product I was referring to in my post was Flo-Free by DCI Products. I heartily recommend against it. It has several design flaws, and is generally a waste of money.

Edited: 01/24/2011 at 11:20AM

Mike G.

Rehabber · Simi Valley, California

343 posts
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Icon_minipost Jan 24 '11, 02:03 AM

I had a wire screen type of gutter cover installed. It's not perfect - I have pine trees, so the needles still get through and the gutters still have to be cleaned occasionally - but it definitely helps a lot. And I would think if I had trees with larger leaves, it would be even more useful.

Kevin C.

Real Estate Investor · North of Dallas, Texas

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Icon_minipost Jan 24 '11, 02:13 AM

We have the screen type gutter covers too and they work fine. Most of our trees have larger leaves, so they are blocked. There is still some cleaning involved, but it is minimal.