Gutter Guards Are a SCAM

I'm writing this 8 years after starting Flow as a gutter company where gutter guards played a huge roll in helping protect a property's wellbeing. Since the pandemic, things have changed.

Gutter guards have a very specific application where benefit is actually tangible. Only in the case where a building is surrounded by deciduous leaves, will ANY gutter guard add value to a properties protection. I'm writing this putting over 500 reviews on the line with all the experience in this journey, from wear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CA6rrVqGd8

ing the belt to overseeing billions in property value protection projects. I want to save you the hassle of Falling, for the trap.

I grew up on the coast, in Florence where 99% of all trees are evergreen with literal tons of pine needles raining down year round. It's not till you head towards the Willamette valley will you see maples and oaks, alders start to appear where the wait of neglecting gutter maintenance can take a tole. Needles arguably require MORE attention depending on your tree cover. We have some clients on a quarterly maintenance plan. There would be no benefit to wasting money on a gutter guard that WILL CLOG and then to require additional maintenance. I don't know about you, but where I come from money doesn't grow on trees. Don't consider a gutter guard in the Pacific Northwest unless you understand one thing...

YOU'RE TRADING ONE PROBLEM FOR ANOTHER

There is a lifespan as well. Most come with a range of product warranties. Some over promise things like Never Clean Your Gutters Again Guarantees. Does this really sound realistic for anyone battling clogged gutters? These products like to prey on elderly folks who can't or shouldn't climb ladders anymore. For most people, a cleaning between Thanksgiving & Christmas, maybe one in Spring is optimal.

Side note: Gutter cleaning isn't required to have a CCB license in Oregon. Anyone cleaning your gutters will likely not have insurance if they fall or the skills required to repair the roof when they cause damage. These are the classic Tomy-tank-tops characters, fly by nights, the tail-gate warranty special.

There is the direct cost. Gutter guards when appropriate will likely range from $7-20/ft installed depending on the height, corners, length of system and quality of guard. You'll see Nation wide companies try to double these prices to take advantage again of uneducated property owners. Do yourself a favor, get multiple quotes, consider what trees you have and which guard will be best for you.

There can be benefit in specific applications. Pine needs have NO valid options that will be hands off. You'll need to understand there are options, but ALL gutter guards REQUIRE Maintenance. We provide brush & pole options for folks that want to avoid climbing the ladder. Gutter cleaning and gutter maintenance is part of living in the Pacific Northwest.

What is the best gutter guard for Portland Vancouver and the surrounding Pacific Northwest? Gutter guards vary in design greatly and not every design is good for the greater Portland area. If you have pine needles, STAY AWAY from hood over designs. Micromeshes will struggle too. I CANNOT with good continence recommend a specific gutter guard that performs for pine needs and I would be cautioned to believe anyone that says they have the solution for you...

Understand one thing, if you live in the Pacific Northwest, gutter maintenance is a necessary evil that comes with property ownership. They protect your landscaping, foundation and siding. Take care of them to avoid premature gutter replacement. We're happy to answer questions anytime on site or at our shop of 84. Stop by anytime between 8-4pm M-F.

Protect your Flowasis.

Verrill, Founder