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WaterFall Gutter Guard In a really heavy rain, won’t water shoot off the side of the house? |
| No! Properly installed, The WaterFall® Gutter Guard System will handle any amount of rain that falls. WaterFall has been tested in conditions simulating over 10-in. of rain per hour (more than has ever been recorded anywhere) and successfully handled every drop. Simply, rain water clings to, and follows the surface of the WaterFall “steps” into the WaterFall channels, and then through the drain holes into the gutter. At the same time, leaves and debris slide over the “steps” and on to the ground. To check this first hand, next time it rains, watch how the rain falls from your roof into the gutters. Even in the heaviest rain, the water just drips off the end of the shingles. Seeing this will help understand how WaterFall handles heavy rain. |
| Does ice cause a problem for WaterFall? |
| While The WaterFall system doesn't solve any ice problems, it doesn’t create any new ones either. Snow will sit on the top of WaterFall. If the house is poorly insulated and the snow on the roof melts before the snow on the gutter guard, there may be some water that runs off the side. The WaterFall system will, however, keep water from freezing inside the gutter and the downspouts, which can cause severe damage. |
| What about very steep roofs? |
| The WaterFall system has been tested on roofs all the way up to a 45-degree pitch. The upper limit for slope is even steeper, but we do not have a set limit. Anything over a 45-degree pitch should first be tested with one WaterFall piece to ensure effectiveness. Note however, in such situations, we recommend installation by a Certified WaterFall Installer. |
| Will wind blow The WaterFall system off the gutter? |
| No! The roof shingles hold the top of the WaterFall, and a “jaw” snaps and locks onto the front edge of standard “K” style gutters. |
| Can WaterFall be installed over vinyl gutters? |
| Yes, but only over vinyl gutters with the “K” style flange at the front gutter edge. Some vinyl gutters are manufactured with the “K” flange, and some are not. To determine whether installation is possible, a small sample piece of gutter guard should be tried. |
Solatube
How does a Solatube work?
Solatube captures light through a dome on the roof and channels it down through our patented internal reflective system. This tubing is far more efficient than a traditional drywall skylight shaft, which can lose over half of the potential light. The tubing will fit between rafters and will install easily with no structural modification. At the ceiling level, a diffuser that resembles a recessed light fixture spreads the light evenly throughout the room.
How large an area does the Solatube light?
A 10" (250mm) Solatube will provide light for up to a 150 square foot (14 sq meter) residential area. A 14" (350mm) Solatube lights up to a 250 square foot (23 sq meter) residential area. A 21" (530mm) Solatube lights up to a 400 square foot (37 sq meter) residential area. For Commercial Building applications, please consult a Solatube design professional, since acceptable illuminated areas will vary due to ceiling heights and space uses. These estimated lighting areas are based upon an average 6' (1.82m) tube length and 8' (2.4m) ceiling height, with the dome being in direct sunlight. Light output will vary depending on the intensity of the sun. For example, there will be more light at mid-day than in the morning or evening. Light output may also decrease as the length of the tube increases.
How long does it take to install a Solatube?
Approximately three hours or less on shingle asphalt roofs, while other roof types may take slightly longer. Solatubes feature factory assembled parts for faster, easier, more professional looking installations.
Are Solatubes very expensive?
The cost of a tubular skylight is more affordable than most traditional skylights. Remember, the cost of the traditional skylight is only a portion of the total materials cost. One must also add in the cost of framing members, paint, drywall, etc. Then, labor becomes a very large portion of the cost because a contractor must frame out the skylight shell, drywall it, tape it, then paint it.