Raindrop has a large rear lip that needs room at the roof edge. On an existing roof, clearance around the starter shingle and nails can make fitting that lip difficult. Roof granules already collecting in the gutter are another detail to consider.
Start with the rear lip, starter shingle, and nails
Raindrop slides into place, but its rear lip can be difficult to accommodate on an existing roof. Where clearance is tight between the lip, starter shingle, and nails, cold conditions can make fitting the guard more challenging. The installer planned to cut or shorten the lip to make room.
Before choosing Raindrop for an existing roof, inspect where the starter shingle begins and where nails sit relative to the gutter. Limited clearance can make this guard harder to fit on an existing roof.
Look inside the gutter before covering it
Roof granules can build up in gutters over time. Smaller granules may be a clogging concern, or they may pass through the system; long-term behavior was not established.
Raindrop includes a filter that sits inside the gutter. It is intended to help protect the downspout from heavy debris buildup and can be cleaned. Consider the filter’s cleanability alongside the granules and debris already present in the gutter.
Raindrop checklist for an existing roof
- Rear-lip clearance: Compare the lip with the available space at the roof edge.
- Starter shingles and nails: Identify whether either interferes with the guard’s placement.
- Granules in the gutter: Note whether the roof is already sending substantial granular material into the gutter.
- In-gutter filter: Confirm that the filter can be cleaned during future gutter maintenance.
- Cold-weather conditions: Tight roof-edge clearance can be more challenging in cold weather.
What stands out about the guard itself
Raindrop is a black plastic guard with a rigid, heavy-duty feel. It was contrasted with cheaper aluminum mesh that had caved in, dented, and collected leaves. Plastic also avoids the corrosion concern raised when aluminum and copper are used together.
Raindrop is available through ABC Supply and Beacon, formerly Allied. Availability does not resolve the fit question: rear-lip clearance and gutter granules remain important details on an existing roof.
Keep roof-edge work professional
Gutter-cover work at ladders and roof edges can be dangerous. Consider using an experienced professional for work in these locations. Directorii lists verified contractors.
For Raindrop, focus on the roof edge already on the home: inspect the starter-shingle area, nails, gutter granules, and cleanable filter before installation.
Source: Raindrop gutter guard review
FAQ
Will Raindrop fit under existing shingles?
Fit depends on clearance at the roof edge. The large rear lip can conflict with a starter shingle and existing nails. Inspect that area before choosing the guard for an existing roof.
Can Raindrop’s rear lip be shortened?
The rear lip can be cut or shortened when there is not enough room at the roof edge. Changing the lip may be considered where starter shingles and nails limit clearance.
What does the Raindrop in-gutter filter do?
The filter sits inside the gutter, is intended to help protect the downspout from heavy debris buildup, and can be cleaned.
What about roof granules with Raindrop?
Granules can accumulate in gutters over time. It was not established whether smaller granules will clog Raindrop or pass through it, so inspect the granular material already in the gutter.
Where can Raindrop gutter guards be purchased?
Raindrop is available through ABC Supply and Beacon, formerly Allied.
