Sep 10
1
The cost is just about the same: Flo-free is a sponge-type material that sits in the gutter (curved opposite to the curve of the gutter), and Leaf Relief is a metal screen that stretches across the gutter. Flo-free has a lifetime warranty. Leaf Relief has a 10 year warranty. Which is better? (We have maples, oaks, and sycamores around).
Here are links to each manufacturer’s website:
Flo Free: http://www.dciproducts.com/html/flofree.htm
Leaf Relief: http://www.leaf-relief.com/
I would argue that you can find better alternatives than either of these solutions, but LeafRelief would be a better solution than Flo-Free.
Both Leaf Relief and Flo-Free sit flat within your gutter, which creates a shelf on which leaves and debris will sit. Leaf Relief says that winds ranging from 6-23 MPH will blow debris off the surface, but as a practical matter, debris will build-up and harden on the gutter surface and it will most likely require occasional cleaning. Flo-Free and many similar open cell inserts are basically useless in the long-run. They are recessed below the gutter lip edge and leaves and debris WILL collect on the surface. Furthermore, shingle granules and other small debris will lodge in the open cells and will eventually clog the system. The manufacturers warranties indicate that the foam inserts will need to be cleaned by removing them, shaking them out, and reinserting them. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for a gutter guard. The warranties cover Gutters clogging, not leaves and debris collecting on top of the gutter guard surface. Failure to clean leaves and debris off the surface may void one or both warranties.
While there isn’t a maintenance-free gutter guard (yet!), I would recommend a micro-mesh system from manufacturers such as LeafFilter, Leaf Solution, Gutter Glove, or Mastershield. They’ll cost you more money, but they are more likely to solve your problems and keep you off a ladder. If you get enough dealers pitching you in your living room and you let them know that, you can likely strike a pretty good deal. Just don’t sign on the dotted line until you’ve reviewed several options.
Solid surface gutter guards, such as GutterHelmet, LeaFree, and LeafGuard have become antiquated and the companies that sell them are developing micro-mesh systems similar to what I mentioned above. I believe GutterHelmet has a system that looks promising at a pretty good price point.
I have been in the gutter guard industry for 14-years and have studied, tested, and installed several of the products mentioned, including Leaf Relief. Consumer Reports just released its first-ever ratings of Gutter Guards in its September 2010 issue. Although I don’t agree with some of their findings, it’s worth a read. They push several do-it-yourself products from Amerimax that we have found to be inferior in their performance and durability, but it’s still good to see what’s on the market.
If you want to learn more, I publish a blog that you can check out at the link below:
