Do gutter toppers really help with the problem of ice build up in the gutters during winter months. This happens even if the gutters have been cleaned. Are they worth the money?

I do not have trees in my yard, the neighbors do, so in strong winds I get some debris. I have the gutters cleaned spring and fall. That is not why I get the ice build up in Winter. It is just because of heavy snow storms that build up ice in the gutters as the snow melts.

I had someone drop a brochure off today about vinyl gutter toppers that area two track system. I really don't want to spend the money for them, but I would if it will help keep ice out of the gutters. The house has NO overhang, so ice build up is a problem.

My husband recently passed away, and I have no body to ask about this before I make a decision.

Would appreciate a prompt and question specific answer.

Yes they do help but are a little pricey. Also available are heat strips that will keep the ice out of your gutters

I don't live in an area where ice in the gutters is a problem... but I have heard about the heating element in the gutter to keep water flowing. I'd be wary of the door to door salespeople selling a practical item that is very pricey... there are those out there that target people who live alone, and take advantage of a person because they aren't familiar with it.

Also check HomeImprovements.com It's a catalog I get sometimes that has a bunch of Snow and Ice related gadgets to keep walks from freezing, prevent slipping, keeping pipes from freezing and such. You can have it delivered right to you, and if you aren't satisfied, return it. If the gutter guards are pricey... find out if and what kind of return policy they have if it doesn't work like you want it to.

I don't think gutter toppers will help much. There are fairly cheap, but effective ones. Your money might better go into insulation and ventilation. You want to keep as much of the heat in the house as you can, and then vent what does make it into the attic. That way, the snow doesn't melt and then refreeze into ice dams.

As for the heating strips, they have burned many houses down. Ask your insurance agent.

Even the cheap ones will work, but not for ice

Ice is not a problem where I live, in Portland, Oregon. However, two years ago I had Gutter Toppers install gutters to prevent leaves from clogging the drains. I am in an older home with a steep pitched roof and in a couple areas the water runs fast enough to run right over the top of the gutter protection system. I just paid $2400 to do repairs to the chimney and foundation where the water was cascading off the roof and over the Gutter Topper. Gutter Toppers is no longer in Portland and I cannot get a response from the corporate office. Therefore, their lifetime guarantee is worthless. I do not recommend Gutter Toppers.

My last message may have been a little hasty. I have been contacted by Gutter Topper and they are working to solve my problem.

Jerry

Ice is not a problem where I live, in Portland, Oregon. However, two years ago I had Gutter Toppers install gutters to prevent leaves from clogging the drains. I am in an older home with a steep pitched roof and in a couple areas the water runs fast enough to run right over the top of the gutter protection system. I just paid $2400 to do repairs to the chimney and foundation where the water was cascading off the roof and over the Gutter Topper. Gutter Toppers is no longer in Portland and I cannot get a response from the corporate office. Therefore, their lifetime guarantee is worthless. I do not recommend Gutter Toppers.

jerick, I am having the same problem. My contractor in Annapolis Maryland is out of business and there are no gutter topper installers near me. How did you contact and get help from the HQ? Thank you for your help.

Guys, this post started in 2007, time to ask your own new questions. Try this to reach them Contact A Retailer Near You (http://www.guttertopper.com/ContactARetailerNearYou.aspx)