Gutter Extensions Tear Thru Winter Cover

[Texas79]

Anybody have any thoughts about how to stop gutter extensions from tearing a hole thru my winter cover? I just bought a new cover and I don't want it to happen to me again. I'm thinking about cutting a small piece of a swimming pool noodle and sliding it over the end of all 4 corners, then taping it on so it doesn't come off. Another thought is cutting a hole in a tennis ball and taping it on.

[29BHS ECO]

texas79-- Just punch a hole in a plastic baseball & stick over the spout. Works great. Larry ps I tried tennis balls but they collapsed with the weight of the cover.

[tinlizzie23]

Are they removeable ? Mine attached by simply loosening the end screw in the drip rail and sliding in behind. I don't use a cover, but think it wouldn't be much trouble to remove them and replace in the spring. JMHO

[rwilley]

I use a tennis ball.

[LBL 1206]

Originally Posted by tinlizzie23

Are they removeable ? Mine attached by simply loosening the end screw in the drip rail and sliding in behind. I don't use a cover, but think it wouldn't be much trouble to remove them and replace in the spring. JMHO

Agree! Easy on, easy off...

[edowsfamily]

Originally Posted by rwilley

I use a tennis ball.

Tennis balls also

[dalenoel]

I just snap mine off and then use part of a swim noodle over the remaining gutter to protect the corners.

[jeffrey]

Cut hole in tennis ball and use duct tape

[pawntan]

thinking about putting tennis ball or plastic baseball too. But have more underlying doubt.
Do you think the weight of the cover itself is enough to pull down the gutter spout and break the gutter ?

[TCNashville]

I use 1/2in [inside diameter] or smaller pipe foam insulation cut to length. It's already slit and has adhesion inside. Open it at the slit, remove the tape covering the adhesive and wrap the gutter. Easy and cheap and comes right off in the spring. I bought a 4ft section and after 2 years still have most of it left. We have the extended gutter spouts and no problems with gutter breakage or holes in the cover.

[VicS1950]

It might help to reinforce the tarp itself also.

Sailmakers use a material they call sticky back. It is a heavier gauge material (typically Dacron) designed to peel and stick down on stress areas. Another term to mention is spreader patch material. Once it is stuck in place it will not come loose.

Using that material stuck to the underside of a cover in all areas of expected stress should greatly increase the service life of your cover. It would be best to apply it before any damage, but it will work for repairs also.

The material is readily available from local sailmakers or on-line.

Insignia Adhesive Backed Black 54"

FWIW. vic