Aside from Frequently Asked Questions, we often are asked more unique or perplexing questions from our contractors and customers. Each month we will update this page with new information and new questions.

To ask a technical question (or do it yourself question), please click here and you will be directed to a brief questionairre.

We reserve the right to post all questions to this website.

Recent Questions to "Ask the Expert"

1. I have a recurring squirrel problem where squirrels are getting into the gutters and under the GuttaGard™ from an outside corner of my gutters. What can I do to prevent this from happening in the future?

A: Almost all squirrels enter the gutter protection system from outside corners, or from openings in the gutter system. If squirrels have been a problem for you, make sure all openings are covered with GuttaGard™ or heavy duty hardware cloth screen. For outside corners, miter cut one panel to match the roof line, slide the adjoining panel under the mitered panel (may require trimming), and secure it with a self-tapping sheet metal screw.

Once squirrels have gotten into your system, they'll keep coming back. The only sure way to eliminate the problem is to eliminate the squirrels. Aggressive squirrels have been known to chew through wood siding, vinyl and aluminum . . . it's tough to stop a determined critter. We recommend calling a pest control professional, or using bait cages to catch and release the squirrels at least 3 miles away from your home.

2. My gutter is old and the lip is bent in places. In several of the worst places where the gutter is bent up close to the guard, water appears to be splashing over the lip of the gutter in heavier rains. How can I fix this?

A: Unfortunately, the gutter protection product is only as good as the gutter. When the gutter isn't straight, it can affect performance. The best approach is to purchase additional locking clips and attach the clips to the gutter (and the panel) at those spots that are not evenly spaced to attempt to "even out" the rough spots. If that doesn't work, we recommend that you call a professional gutter installer to replace those areas of your gutter. The existing GuttaGard™ can be removed and reinstalled over the new gutters.

3. Several of my Elko® GuttaGard™ panels blew off in a recent windstorm. Why did this happen, and what can I do to prevent it from happening in the future?

A: This should not happen with the new patented locking clip. Almost all problems relating to dislodged panels are related to incorrect installation of the clips. If not installed correctly, clips can become dislodged with ice and wind. Introduced in 2004, the new GuttaGard™ locking clip eliminated this problem. As long as the new clip is locked securely onto the gutter lip as directed (see installation instructions), the panel should be secure. In areas of heavy snow or high winds, we recommend overlapping the panels by 2-3" and installing a locking clip at the overlap. A small drop of silicone caulk at the juncture of the clip and the gutter lip, and another at the clip and the panel, is a good idea too.

4. I followed the instructions on my Elko® GuttaGard™ box and put a screen in the two inside corners of my gutters. They handle the water fine and keep debris out, but some debris accumulates on top of the screen. Is there any other solution to this problem?

A: High volume areas such as valleys and inside corners are a challenge for any gutter protection system. Inserting a screen into inside corners is the best solution in our experience. Put the screen on top of the two adjoining panels, and zip a self-tapping screw through the screen into the panel below. This will prevent debris from pulling the screen down into the gutter. An inside corner unit can be created by mitering one panel at 45 degrees into the corner, then cutting and overlapping the adjoining panel with a self tapping screw, and drilling holes. The only other solutions are: 1) miter the panels and install a large diverter on the gutter panel along the roof line; or 2) miter the panels and install a diverter above the gutter on the roof line. Please call our toll free hotline at 1-800-331-4273 for more information.

5. I want to install the copper Elko® GuttaGard™ on my half-round copper gutters, but the aluminum locking clip won't work on the lip of half-round the gutter, and I'm afraid aluminum will discolor the copper. Any ideas on how to handle this?

A: You're right about discoloration. There's an electrolytic reaction that takes place between dissimilar metals, and it's a bad idea to mix copper and aluminum. For installation on copper gutters, the new stainless steel Twist-Lok™ clip provides an excellent alternative. For standard copper K-style gutters, we offer a stainless steel version of the locking clip that requires no screws. A professional installer should be consulted on copper installations.