Gutter cover with passive ice and snow melt

Abstract

A gutter cover which more effectively and efficiently prevents the clogging of gutters and the formation of ice dams without the use of heating cables and other active components. The gutter cover comprises a first section, a second section, and a passive heating element. The first section is adapted to be installed over or under roofing material covering the roof for directing water from the roof. The second section is attached to the first section and adapted to be installed over an open end of the gutter for directing the water from the roof into the gutter while preventing debris from entering the gutter. The passive heating element is provided for absorbing heat from sunlight and thereby preventing or minimizing accumulation of snow or ice on or near the second section without the use of heating cables or other active heating components.

1 . A gutter cover for covering a gutter attached to a roof of a building, the gutter cover comprising: 
 a first section adapted to be installed over or under roofing material covering the roof for directing water from the roof;    a second section attached to the first section and adapted to be installed at least partially over an open end of the gutter for directing the water from the roof into the gutter while preventing debris from entering the gutter; and    a passive heating element for absorbing heat from sunlight and thereby preventing or minimizing accumulation of snow or ice on or near the second section.    
   
   
       2 . The gutter cover as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the passive heating element is an elongated strip of heat-absorbing tape applied to an upper surface of the second section.  
   
   
       3 . The gutter cover as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the passive heating element is a portion of the second section that has been coated with a darkened coating.  
   
   
       4 . The gutter cover as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the darkened coating is black paint.  
   
   
       5 . The gutter cover as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the passive heating element is a portion of the second section formed from a material with a high thermal conductivity.  
   
   
       6 . The gutter cover as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of copper, copper composites, silver, silver composites, aluminum, aluminum composites, ceramics, and ceramic composites.  
   
   
       7 . A gutter protection system for a gutter attached to a roof of a building, the gutter protection system comprising: 
 a gutter cover adapted to be installed over an open end of the gutter for directing the water from the roof into the gutter while preventing debris from entering the gutter; and    a passive heating element for absorbing heat from sunlight and thereby preventing or minimizing accumulation of snow or ice on or near the gutter cover.    
   
   
       8 . The gutter protection system as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the passive heating element is an elongated strip of heat-absorbing tape applied to an upper surface of the gutter cover.  
   
   
       9 . The gutter protection system as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the passive heating element is a portion of the second section that has been coated with a darkened coating.  
   
   
       10 . The gutter protection system as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the darkened coating is black paint.  
   
   
       11 . The gutter protection system as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the passive heating element is a portion of the second section formed from material with a high thermal conductivity.  
   
   
       12 . The gutter protection system as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of copper, copper composites, silver, silver composites, aluminum, aluminum composites, ceramics, and ceramic composites.