Complete the questionnaire for each gutter cover company you interview to make sure you have no surprises.

Questionnaire

Part I
Product name:

Part II
Type of Device: Gutter cover, gutter screen, gutter protector, gutter guard, leaf guard. (erase non-applicable)
Length of product:
Materials of construction:
Standard Colors:
Custom Colors:
Radius bend^1. of water collector, 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", smaller than 1/8". larger than 1/2"
The radius bend^1. is: smooth, a series of breaks and bends 
Is it available in a high capacity option?
Width of product?
Is it available in more than one width^2. if so, specify different widths?
Are any clips^3. used to fasten the product. If so, describe how clips work or are attached.
If a tree limb damages the water collector how is it replaced?
What is the Performance Warranty and what are the remedies?
What is the Material Warranty and Remedies?

Part III
How is the product is installed?
Is it connected, attached or integrated with roofing^4. in any way?
Methods to insure that roof won't develop leakage from installation of product:
How is it connected to the gutter?
Recommended Applications: Heavy debris situations/medium/light?.
Describe opening and its size to collect water:
Does debris get through the openings?
How about in heavy debris conditions, i.e., pine, oak, does debris into gutter?
How are gutters serviced if cleaning is required?
Charge for cleaning gutters if they clog?
Does it keep out birds? Squirrels?
Maintenance, if any, that may be recommended by homeowner?
Any problem installing if shingles are brittle?
Inches per hour of rain fall for what rafter length will it handle?
Any break-in period required or recommended before it collects water?
Max Square inch of water carrying capacity^5.? 5" gutter is 25sq in. 6" gutter is 36 sq in. 7 inch is 49 sq in.
Size of downspouts^5. generally required to facilitate product working?
Valleys and inside corners, how is water collected? describe all options.
Do you ever need to trim back shingles? No Yes
How do your guard against overshooting (water overshooting the gutter cover in heavy rain fall conditions)? 

Part IV
What if gutter corners begin leak, how is it accessed to repair ?
Any Roof Pitch^7. Limitations: 
Gutters^6.: Installed on: 5"K, 6"K, 7" K Yankee, wood fascia, vinyl, copper, round lip (erase all that are non-applicable)

Can it be installed on the following types of roofing^8.?

Flat Roofing: yes no
        EDM (Rubber Roofing) yes no
        Gravel Stop Flat Roof yes no
        Roll Roofing yes no
        Single Ply yes no 

Seal Tab: yes no

Dimensional (scalloped): yes no

Wood Shake: yes no

Square Tile: yes no

Barrel Tile: yes no

Standing Seam Metal: yes no

Metal Shingles: yes no

Slate Roofing: yes no

Mansard Style (almost vertical): yes no

Part V
Installation: Certified/uncertified dealers?
Qualifications of dealers?

Part VI
List specific advantages you feel your product has:

Any Disadvantages?

End of Questionnaire

Technical Questions Explained

1. Radius bend questions. The larger and smoother the radius bend, the higher the capacity to collect water. A 5/16" radius bend is standard for most residential rafter lengths. For rafter lengths of 30' or longer or roof areas that have a lot of water funneled onto them, larger radius bends are required.

2. Many gutter guards only come in one narrow width and depending on their front height are not wide enough to reach the second course of shingle if need be. Most of the time installation under the first course is preferred, but if existing gutters are too high in elevation, then you need a cover wide enough to go under the second course of shingle. If you are installing new gutters this question is mote.

3. Clips can often work loose or break if poorly designed.

4. Notice that products that are fastened or glued to roofing could either contribute to roof leakage or ruin the roofing it they ever need be removed.

5. This question is for the "all-in-one" gutter guard that includes it's own gutter. For reference, standard residential gutters are 5" and carry 25 sq. inches of water whereas some "all-in-one" systems only handle 15 square inches requiring more and larger downspouts which may detract from your home's appearance.

6. K style gutters are the general standard in the USA. If you have one of the other gutter types, you'll want to be sure the gutter guard can be installed to it.

7. Most gutter covers can only handle a pitch of 12 on 12 (45 degrees) and are not recommended for steeper roofs or for that matter some are not recommended for flat roofs.

8. Erase all except the type of roofing you have on your home.

Key words:
gutter guard
leaf guard
gutter cover