Hot Rolled Gutter Steel Guard – Do I Need This?
Hot rolled gutter steel is a special type of gutter guard that protects the leaf screens from the water that accumulates on the roof. It does so by using a series of large and small rollers that can roll back and secure the gutter at different degrees, depending on the amount of water that has accumulated on the roof. They are specifically made for light weight, so they are easy to set up and dismantle, as well as being very economical to use.
Hot rolled steel is much better than regular steel because it is more durable, which will reduce the risk of the gutter becoming damaged by constant heavy rain. This in turn reduces the amount of water that gets inside the gutter and downspouts and reduces the risk of serious structural damage. The gutter steel is usually manufactured out of galvanized steel or stainless steel, but some companies also produce them in polyester. The rollers are normally open ended, which allows them to be stored neatly away when not in use.
Hot rolled steel gutter guards are normally used on homes with a single falling down spout, but they can be used on roofs of multiple dwellings provided they are fitted with the right sized rollers. The size of the rollers, or the number of them, will depend on the volume of water that the gutter will be able to handle. If the water is small, then a single roller will suffice; but large volumes of water will require several rollers, or even a crane, to keep them under control. This is why they are often used on larger roofs, but if you have a small roof you may consider using just one roller.
Another benefit of using this type of gutter guard is that they provide an additional layer of protection against the elements. The steel will be slightly tougher and more resilient than a typical wood gutter guard, and will be able to withstand many years of extreme weather. They can also be painted to blend in with the rest of the house, and are available in various colours.
A major disadvantage of using these rollers, or even rain gutters, is the cost. While a single unit can be relatively inexpensive, a set designed to protect ten or more units can add up to several hundred dollars. Of course the price will factor in whether you have a single or double-hanging unit, but in most cases the steel rollers will be used on high-maintenance roofs. However, even if you do not have a high-maintenance roof, the steel rollers may still be required for your gutter system. It may be cheaper to install the steel gutter coverings than the actual rollers, due to the cost of labour.
So, is it worth buying this type of gutter guard? In most cases, yes. They are designed to perform the same job as wooden gutter covers, which are often times much more expensive. By slowing the amount of water that flows into your gutters by catching every last drop, you will significantly reduce the amount of damage that your roof experiences. If you live in an area where extreme weather conditions are common (i.e. extremely hot or cold weather), you may wish to consider an alternative gutter cover system.