Patent Publication Number: US-9890535-B2

Title: Gutter debris barrier system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/879,274, filed Oct. 9, 2015, and entitled Gutter Debris Barrier System, which claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/061,887, filed Oct. 9, 2014 and entitled Gutter Containment Protection System, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to gutter debris barrier systems, also known as gutter guards, which are placed on or about rain gutters located adjacent to a roof of a building to permit the passage of water while preventing debris from entering into and collecting in the gutter. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     A common problem with rain gutters is that they become clogged or jammed with various debris including leaves, needles, shingle sand, and other materials that fall onto the gutter. Functionality of the rain gutter is dramatically decreased once debris enters the gutter. Consequently, a property owner is required to repeatedly clean out rain gutters over the course of a year. To address this issue, gutter debris barrier systems, or gutter guards, have been introduced to prevent debris from collecting within the gutter. The goal of gutter guards is to prevent debris from entering the gutter while still maintaining water flow through the gutter guard and into the gutter, such that water is not dripping down the outside of the gutter, and ultimately the building. 
     The most primitive debris barrier systems consist of a guard that simply included a screen with multiple holes that is laid across the gutter. These systems attempted to balance the need for holes large enough for sufficient flow of water while small enough to prevent debris from flowing through the screen. Over time, more sophisticated guard systems were developed. For instance, mesh filter elements have been used with sufficiently small holes to allow the flow of water therethrough. These mesh filter elements often are supported by a frame that includes channels and holes to guide the flow of water down into the gutter. These systems block substantially all debris from entering while allowing high volumes of water to pass through to the gutter. U.S. Pat. No. 7,310,912, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses such a system. 
     Both gutter systems and gutter guards can experience problems when freezing temperatures are encountered. For instance, a gutter that has been clogged with debris will pool water, which can ultimately freeze and cause further backup. Even where gutter guards are used, snow or water can enter into the gutter and freeze along or adjacent to the gutter. These issues can be exacerbated by runoff that results from the melting of snow and ice on the roof, which then runs down into the relatively cold gutter and re-freezes. This can result in ice dam formation in and around the gutter and on the roof. Further still, when functionality of a gutter and/or gutter guard is compromised, large icicles can form on the outer surface of the gutter. These icicles contribute significant weight to the gutter. Additionally, in the event that the mesh filter element freezes over, snow and ice can gather on the top of the filter element. The weight of this buildup can be significant, requiring the mesh filter element to withstand substantial loads. 
     To avoid the freezing effects discussed above, various deicing gutters or gutter guard systems utilize an electrical heating element such as a wire or coil. The heating element can be mounting to the gutter, to the gutter guard, or beneath the roofline. Assuming the gutter is metallic, the heat will be transmitted throughout the gutter to thaw any ice buildup and prevent further freezing. 
     A number of the drawbacks experienced with previous gutter guard systems were largely alleviated with the introduction of the gutter debris barrier system described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,079,183 and 8,438,787, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The gutter debris bather system disclosed in these patents features a rigid frame with a filter element supported above the frame. One side of the frame is mounted beneath the shingles of the roof, and the other side is attached to the lip of the outer wall of the gutter. Longitudinally extending ribs are located within the frame, with slotted channels being formed between the ribs for the direction of water into the underling gutter. The ribs are generally rectangular when viewed in transverse cross section, and their sides thus extend generally perpendicularly from the floor of the frame. Activation of a heating element located adjacent to the frame heats the frame, the filter element, the flange, and the gutter. 
     While serving as an effective debris barrier and encouraging deicing in and around the gutter, there are several disadvantages to this system. 
     First, the frame is mounted beneath the shingles of the roof, which can cause damage to the roof and/or shingles. Furthermore, by peeling back the shingles to install the frame, any warranty on the shingles may be voided. 
     Another drawback to this system is that the channels are flat rather than tapered, creating the risk of the pooling of water in the channels in the presence of even small amounts of debris or non-planarity of the channels. The pooled water can freeze with resultant detrimental effects. Additionally, in having the ribs that extend at substantially right angles from the floor of the gutter, the distance through the floor and up each rib can result in a relatively long heat transfer path from the heat source through the floor, to the ribs, and ultimately the filter element. Heating efficiency thus is degraded. 
     In addition, the presence of rectangular ribs and the associated sharp transitions between ribs produces a relatively weak frame. 
     Thus, there remains room for improvement in gutter debris barrier systems by providing a system that is mountable about the gutter without interfering with the shingles on the roof. 
     Additionally, there is need for a gutter debris barrier system with different ribs that facilitate a shorter heat travel path and reduce pooling of water. 
     There is additionally a need for a gutter debris barrier system having a frame that is stronger than known frames. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a debris barrier system includes a frame adapted to overlie at least a portion of the gutter and a filter screen that covers at least a portion of the frame. The frame includes a floor with at tapered channels separated by ribs that extend upwardly from the floor. The ribs may have flat upper surfaces or tips lying in a common horizontal plane and supporting a flat filter screen. 
     The floor of the frame may have slots within the channels to allow water to pass through the frame and into the underlying gutter. The slots may be located along a lowest point of each channel to encourage water passage therethrough. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the system, a mounting bracket that extends longitudinally along the gutter can be mounted to the fascia of the building. The frame may include a flange that extends from a first or inner side wall of the frame and which can be attached to the mounting bracket. In one embodiment, the flange is releasably held within a c-shaped channel of the mounting bracket. A second or outer side wall of the frame can then be secured to the second or outer side of the gutter. Thus, the frame is suspended over the top of the gutter. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the system, the frame may include a channel for receiving a heating element. The frame and the filter screen may be made of a heat conductive material such as aluminum to facilitate heat transfer from the heating element to the remainder of the system. 
     These and other aspects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and accompanying drawings, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. It is hereby disclosed that the invention include all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a partially cut away top perspective view of a gutter debris barrier system constructed in accordance with the invention and installed above a gutter; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional end elevation view of the gutter debris barrier system; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a section of a frame of the gutter debris barrier system; 
         FIG. 4  is top plan view of a section of the frame; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional side elevation view of the frame, taken generally along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partially cut away top perspective view of a mounting bracket of the gutter debris barrier system, installed above the gutter; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded isometric view of the gutter debris barrier system; and 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed cross sectional view of the frame and the heating element of line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 2 , showing a modification to the gutter debris barrier system of  FIGS. 1-7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings and initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a gutter debris barrier system  10  as mounted on a building  12  is shown as mounted about a gutter  14 , a roof  16 , and a fascia  18  of the building  12 . The fascia  18  extends downwardly from the roof  16 . The roof  16  is covered on the top by shingles  20 , and has a drip lip  22  that extends beyond the fascia  18 . The gutter  14  is mounted to the building  12  adjacent the fascia  18 . The gutter debris barrier system  10  is mounted over the gutter  14  and includes a mounting bracket  30  attached to the fascia  18 , a frame  32  located over the bottom  24  of the gutter  14  and supported at its inside on the fascia  18  and at its outside on the gutter  14 , and a filter screen  34  supported on the frame  32 . An optional heating element  36  may be mounted on the frame  32  and covered by a cover  38 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the gutter  14  is generally trapezoidal in transverse cross section and includes a bottom  24 , an inner wall  26  positioned adjacent the fascia  18 , and an outer wall  28  having an upper lip  29 . The inner wall  26  typically extends substantially vertically, while the outer wall  28  generally is inclined upwardly away from the outer edge  25  of the bottom  24  of the gutter  14 . The gutter  14  is mounted on the fascia  18  by brackets and hangers, not shown. The gutter  14  typically will be 5″ to 6″ wide at its upper end and about 5″ to 6″ deep. 
     Looking now to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 7 , the gutter debris barrier system  10  of the illustrated embodiment includes a frame  32  that is above the bottom  24  of the gutter  14 , a mounting bracket  30  via which an inner portion of the frame  32  is mounted on the building  12 , and a flat filter screen  34  supported on the frame  32  and having openings sized to permit to allow water to pass through while preventing debris from entry. By using the mounting bracket  30  in combination with the frame  32 , the system  10  can be mounted to the fascia  18  and gutter  14  without interfering with the roof  16  or the shingles  20 . Once mounted in place, the system  10  protects the gutter  14  from debris such as leaves and pine needles, while still allowing water to pass through down into the bottom  24  of the gutter  14 . 
     Looking to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , one embodiment of the mounting bracket  30  is shown being mounted to the fascia  18  and extending longitudinally along the building  12 . The mounting bracket  30  may be made from relatively strong metal such as aluminum or steel. The mounting bracket  30  includes a mounting leg  40  that is generally vertical, a c-shaped channel  42  or c-channel that extends generally perpendicular outwardly from an upper end  41  of the mounting leg  40 , and a drip edge  44  that is inclined downwardly and outwardly from a bottom edge  43  of the mounting leg  40 . The mounting leg  40  can be attached to the fascia  18  of the building  12  by screws  56  ( FIG. 7 ) or similar fasteners. As a result, the c-shaped channel  42  extends generally perpendicular and away from the fascia  18 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the c-channel  42  is bordered from above by an upper leg  46  and from below by a lower leg  48 . The lower leg  48  extends generally horizontally outwardly from the upper end  41  of the mounting leg  40 . The upper leg  46  extends outwardly from the mounting leg  40  and is inclined toward the lower leg  48  so that the c-shaped channel  42  progressively narrows in thickness from its inner end  50  to outer end  52  so that the outer end  52  is substantially thinner than the thickness of a mounting flange  54  on the frame  32  (detailed below), resulting in the clamping of the mounting flange  54  in the c-channel  42  during assembly. Opposed flanges  47 ,  49  may be formed on the outer end  52  of the upper leg  46  and lower leg  48  to help guide entry of the mounting flange  54  of the frame  32  into the c-channel  42  during assembly. 
     While providing sufficient clearance to allow for the insertion of the mounting flange  54 , the tapered shape of the c-shaped channel  42 , formed by the converging upper leg  46  and lower leg  48  form a spring-clip that helps to secure the mounting flange  54  within the c-channel  42 . This allows a user to install or remove the mounting flange  54  from the c-channel  42  without the use of tools, but does not allow the mounting flange  54  to freely fall out of the c-channel  42 . Alternatively, the mounting flange  54  may be secured within the c-shaped channel  42 , for instance, by a clipping mechanism or other attachment technique. 
     The c-shaped channel  42  of the mounting bracket  30  may be configured to be slightly longer in length than the mounting flange  54  such that the mounting flange  54  can be easily inserted into the c-shaped channel  42 , and so that the c-shaped channel  42  can accommodate inward and outward movement of the mounting flange  54  resulting from thermal expansion and contraction of the frame  32 . 
     The mounting leg  40  of the mounting bracket  30  may be mounted to the fascia  18  by screws  56 , bolts, rivets, or other suitable attachment devices that are inserted through openings formed in the mounting leg  40  either before or during installation. When thus installed, the mounting bracket  30  is installed directly beneath the roof  16  and shingles  20  so that the upper leg  46  bordering the c-shaped channel  42  abuts or is disposed adjacent the bottom of the shingles  20  of the roof  16 . As shown, the mounting bracket  30  should abut the roof  16  while being spaced above the gutter  14 . This inhibits moisture from falling behind the mounting bracket  30  and behind the gutter  14 . The height of the mounting bracket  30  may vary depending on the spacing between the gutter  14  and the roof  16 . The mounting bracket  30  further facilitates movement of water towards the gutter  14  by the drip edge  44 , which is angled towards the gutter  14  and guides any water that runs down the mounting bracket  30  back toward the gutter  14 . 
     It should be noted that the mounting bracket  30  is not critical to the system  10  and could be replaced by or supplemented with a more traditional under-the-shingles mounting system such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,079,183 and 8,438,787. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2-5 , one embodiment of the frame  32  is illustrated in greater detail. The frame  32  includes a floor  58  with a first, inner side wall  60  and a second, outer side wall  62 , all of which extend longitudinally of the gutter  14  once the frame  32  is mounted in place. A mounting flange  54  extends inwardly from the upper edge of the first, inner side wall  60  for attachment to the mounting bracket  30 . Another flange  64  is located at the outside of the frame  32  for mounting on the lip  29  on the outer wall  28  of the gutter  14 . An optional heating element housing channel  66  may be provided between the outer flange  64  and the second, outer side wall  62  of the frame  32 . A plurality (six in the illustrated embodiment) of channels  68  extends longitudinally of the frame  32 . Ribs  70  separate the channels  68 . Slots  72  are formed in the channels  68  for the passage of water into to underlying gutter  14 . The slots  72  are generally oblong and extend longitudinally of the frame  32 . As best seen in  FIG. 4 , slots  72  located in adjacent channels  68  are longitudinally offset from one another. This offset slot configuration produces a relatively short serpentine thermal transfer path “P” laterally across the frame  32  to facilitate heat transfer laterally from the first, inner side wall  60  to the second, outer side wall  62 . 
     Each of ribs  70  extends longitudinally along the length of the frame  32  between adjacent channels  68 . Each of the ribs  70  extends from a base  74  defining the tops of the two adjacent channels  68  to an upper surface or tip  78  which, as can be clearly seen in the drawings, extends in a horizontal plane extending between the opposed sides of the associate rib  70 . Preferably the tips  78  are all located in the same plane. The tips  78  support the filter screen  34 , and keep the filter screen  34  spaced from the floor  58  defined by the bottoms of the channels  68 . This is important to maintain continued movement of water through the system  10 . Once water passes through the filter screen  34 , it can drop directly into the channels  68  or flow down the ribs  70  and drip through the slots  72  into the bottom  24  of the gutter  14 . Because the ribs  70  of the frame  32  contact the filter screen  34 , the water experiences capillary action and moves downwardly along the rib  70  and eventually through the slots  72  into the gutter  14 . 
     The channels  68  are generally tapered as a result of the configuration of the ribs  70 . As best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 8 , the channels  68  are arcuate in shape, and more specifically U-shaped. Each rib  70  has first  80  and second  82  opposed surfaces, both of which slope curvilinearly downwardly and outwardly for at least a portion of the height of the rib  70  so as to form parts of adjacent channels  68 . Alternatively, the channel  68  could be generally V-shaped or X-shaped. Alternatively still, the ribs  70  may extend from a flat floor at an angle such that the channel  68  formed therein is tapered. Other configurations of channels  68  and ribs  70  are possible, which form other embodiments of tapered channels. 
     The tapered structure of the channels  68  provides several benefits over comparable gutter guards having vertical ribs and planar channels. First, by having a tapered, preferably arcuate floor  58 , as opposed to a flat floor, and by offsetting the slots  72  in adjacent channels  68  in the manner shown, the length of thermal transfer along path “P”, defined as a the shortest line that extends in an uninterrupted serpentine path along the surface of the frame from the first, inner side wall  60  to the second, outer side wall  62  without crossing any of the slots  72 , is no more than about 5/3, and more preferably no more than about 4/3, of the transverse spacing between the first, inner side wall  60  and second, outer side wall  62  in a horizontal plane. In the illustrated embodiment in which the transverse spacing between the first, inner side wall  60  and second, outer side wall  62  in a horizontal plane is about 3.0 inches, the length of the thermal transfer path “P” is less than 4 inches and more preferably approximately 3.75 inches. In previous models of the same overall dimensions with flat channels and vertically-walled ribs, the thermal transfer path length was approximately 5.88 inches, resulting in a ratio of thermal transfer path to transverse distance “D” of more than 5.75/3.0. The significant reduction in thermal travel path length results in a more efficient system  10  that can be heated more quickly with a heating element  36  having a given thermal output. By reducing the length of the thermal transfer path, the power requirement of the system  10  is reduced. 
     Additionally, the tapered structure of the channels  68  and the ribs  70  helps to funnel moisture towards the slots  72 . The combination of tapered channels  68  and ribs  70  and the location of the slots  72  at the bottom of the channels  68  helps to ensure that all water is funneled through the frame  32  and into the gutter  14 . Previous gutter guards having channels with a flat floor and ribs that extend perpendicularly upward did funnel water down towards the frame floor, but not necessarily to the slots. Because the slots were spaced from the ribs in these previous embodiments, there was risk that water would pool along the right-angle edge of the channel. Tapered channels  68  help to alleviate this issue. 
     Furthermore, structures with curved surfaces are, everything else being equal, stronger than structures with sharp corners. Thus, by providing arcuate channels  68  and tapered ribs  70 , the frame  32  is stronger and can withstand greater forces thereon than comparable prior art frames. 
     The illustrated embodiment features ribs  70  with an approximate height from base  74  to tip  78  between 0.10 to 0.30 inches and more preferably approximately 0.155 inches. Ribs in previous gutter guard systems were typically 0.250 inches in height or higher. Each of the U-shaped channels  68  have an approximate upper radius on the top side of the floor  58  about the center of the channel  68  between 0.100-0.300 inches and more preferably approximately 0.200 inches, and a lower radius beneath the floor  58  about the center of the channel  68  between 0.200-0.400 inches, and more preferably approximately 0.300 inches. Consequently, the typical thickness of the floor  58  is approximately 0.050-0.150 inches and more preferably 0.095 inches. As shown, each channel  68  has a width from tip  78  to adjacent tip  78  of between approximately 0.300 and 0.700 inches and more preferably 0.512 inches. 
     While the illustrated embodiment shows a frame  32  with six channels  68 , additional or fewer channels  68  may be used as desired to accommodate different gutter  14  sizes and/or to form narrower or wider channels  68 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 8 , the first, inner side wall  60  and the second, outer side wall  62  of the frame  32  may each include a shelf  84  with a slot  86  configured to accommodate a respective side  88  of the filter screen  34 . When installed in these slots  86 , the filter screen  34  rests on top of the shelves  84 . Preferably, the shelves  84  are in the same plane as the tip  78  of each rib  70 , such that the filter screen  34  can lie flat across the ribs  70  and on top of the shelves  84 . The filter screen  34  may then be held in place within the slots  86  using adhesive glue, other attachment devices, or even by crimping. Preferably, a rubberized adhesive  90  ( FIG. 8 ) is used, for instance Dow Corning® 791 weather proofing sealant, which expands and contracts with temperature fluxuation. As a result the filter screen  34  remains tight against the frame  32  regardless of temperature variations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , lip  92  may be located above each slot  86  and adjacent to the associated shelf  84 . Each lip  92  slopes downwards toward the floor  58  of the frame  32 . Again, this encourages movement of any water toward the gutter  14 . Additionally, the lip  92  prevents water and icicles from forming over the edge of the filter screen  34  and the gutter  14  once the filter screen  34  becomes saturated with water. It also prevents debris from collecting within the slot  86 . As shown, the outer lip  92  is located adjacent to the heating element  36  on the second, outer side wall  62 , such that water movement is encouraged away from the heating element  36  and into the gutter  14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 and 7 , the mounting flange  54  extends laterally inwardly from the first, inner side wall  60  of the frame  32 . As shown, the mounting flange  54  narrows in thickness from its outer end  94  to inner end  96 . Longitudinally spaced flange ribs or ridges  98  are formed on at least the upper surface  100 , and possibly both the upper surface  100  and lower surface  102 , of the mounting flange  54  to improve gripping action against the edges of the c-shaped channel  42  in the mounting bracket  30 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting flange  54  is approximately between 1.00 and 1.50 inches in length, and more preferably about 1.25 inches. The mounting flange  54  tapers from an initial width of approximately between 0.080 and 0.110 inches and more preferably 0.095 inches at the outer end  94 , and narrows to the inner end  96  with a width of approximately between 0.04 and 0.08 inches, and more preferably 0.06 inches. Other flange configurations could be used so long as they are compatible with the mounting bracket  30 . 
     The mounting flange  54  is configured to be releasably secured within the c-shaped channel  42  of the mounting bracket  30  discussed above. Thus, when the system  10  is installed, the mounting flange  54  is first inserted into the c-shaped channel  42  of the mounting bracket  30 , which acts as a spring clip to clamp the mounting flange  54  in place. Once the mounting flange  54  is inserted into the c-shaped channel  42 , the second, outer flange  64  of the frame  32  rests on the lip  29  on the outer wall  28  of the gutter  14 . The outer flange  64  of the frame  32  can then be secured to the lip  29  of the gutter  14  by any suitable attachment device, for instance by screws  104  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 7 , and/or by double sided tape  106  as shown in  FIG. 8 . Thus, the mounting flange  54  need not be physically attached to the c-shaped channel  42  for the frame  32  to remain in place over the gutter  14 . Instead, the frame  32  will remain in place due to clamping of the mounting flange  54  within the c-shaped channel  42  of the mounting bracket  30  and the connection between the second, outer side wall  62  of the frame  32  and the outer wall  28  of the gutter  14 . 
     Preferably, the frame  32  is constructed of a metallic material with high thermal conductivity. For instance, in one embodiment, the frame  32  may be constructed of aluminum. This encourages heat transfer throughout the frame  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4, 7, and 8  the optional heating element receiving channel  66  has a bottom  108  and two side walls  110 ,  112 , all of which contact the heating element  36 . The first or inner side wall  110  borders the outer end of the shelf  84 , and the second or outer sidewall  112  borders the inner end of the outer flange  64 . This configuration maximizes the surface area of contact between the frame  32  and the heating element  36 , which increases the rate of heat transfer from the heating element  36  to the frame  32 . 
     The heating element  36  is preferably an electrically powered heating wire or cable, although other heat sources may be used. In being located directly adjacent to one of the sides of the frame  32 , the heating element  36  provides heat throughout the frame  32  due high conductivity of the frame  32 . The channel  66  and heating element  36  are optional and could be eliminated, especially in warm climates. 
     The cover  38  overlies the heating element  36  and channel  68  as can best be in seen in  FIGS. 7-8 . The cover  38  has a first or heating element covering section  114  and a second or frame contacting section  116 . The first section  114  extends up and over the channel  66  so as to tightly fit over the heating element  36  and the first  110  and second  112  side walls of the heating element receiving channel  66 . The first section  114  features a drip lip  117  that funnels water back towards the floor of the frame  32 . The second section  116  features a drip lip  118  that funnels water away from the system  10 , and out of the gutter  14 . Like the frame  32  and the filter screen  34 , the cover  38  is preferably made of a thermally conductive material to allow for heat transfer from the heating element  36 . 
     Looking to  FIG. 8 , the cover  38 , second, outer side wall  62  of the frame  32 , and the outer wall  28  of the gutter  14  are shown in greater detail. Thus, once assembled, the cover  38  and heating element  36  abut the gutter  14 . The cover  38  may be fastened to the second, outer side wall  62  of the frame  32 , and further may be fastened to a front lip  29  of the gutter  14 . The cover  38  may include openings for screws  104 , or could be attached to the frame  32  and the gutter  14  using other suitable attachment devices, such as double-sided tape. This holds the cover  38  in place over the channel  66  and secures the second, outer side wall  62  of the frame  32  to the gutter  14 . 
     Once activated, the heating element  36  can provide heat to the entire system  10 . More specifically, the heating element  36  first supplies heat to the channel  68 . Heat is then transmitted through the entire frame  32 , first through second, outer side wall  112 , into the floor  58  and moving up the ribs  70  and to the filter screen  34 . The heating element  36  cover  38  is also heated. As the gutter  14  is likely made of a metallic heat transferring material, heat can also be supplied to ensure that no freezing occurs once moisture reaches the gutter  14 . 
     A variety of filter screens  34  may be used with the illustrated invention. Preferably, the filter screen  34  is made of a woven stainless steel wire material that is flexible to allow the filter screen  34  to be spread over the frame  32 . Varying grades of stainless steel can be used, for instance 316 or 410 stainless steel alloy. The filter screen  34  collects water, at which point the water experiences capillary action and drops through the filter screen  34 . This encourages movement of the water down through the openings in the filter screen  34  and into the gutter  14 . Preferably, the stainless steel wire has a high thermoconductivity to encourage heat transfer through the filter screen  34 . The openings in the filter screen  34  should be sufficiently small to prevent debris from entry into the gutter  14 , while still allowing sufficient water flow to the gutter  14 . 
     Typically, the debris barrier system  10  will be installed in five foot length segments, although other sized segments could be used depending on the exterior layout of a building  12 . During installation, a mounting bracket  30  is installed against the fascia  18 . A frame section is then prepared for installation by laying the filter screen  34  along the tips  78  of the ribs  70  and the shelves  84 . The sides  88  of the filter screen  34  are then inserted into the slots  86  and secured in place using adhesive  90  as described above. Preferably, the filter screen  34  extends longer than the length of the frame  32  so that at least two inches of the filter screen  34  can be bent down on either end of the frame  32  segment to form a vertically extending end  120  seen in  FIGS. 2 and 8 . Once the mounting flange  54  of the frame  32  is inserted into the c-shaped channel  42  of the mounting bracket  30 , the outer flange  64  can be attached to lip  29  on the outer wall  28  of the gutter  14 . When the next segment is installed, it will tightly abut the edge of the adjacent section. 
     It should be understood that the components of the system  10  may be made of any number of different materials. As stated herein, it is preferred that many of these components are made of head-conductive materials, such as aluminum. Other materials could be used to improve the durability, strength, or conductivity of the component. Additionally, while the above description outlines possible attachment devices, it should be noted that any of the components can be attached to one another using screws, bolts, clips, rivets, nails, set-screws, tape, glue, adhesive, and the like. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the various inventive features described above can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. 
     It is appreciated that many changes and modifications could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Some of these changes will become apparent from the appended claims. It is intended that all such changes and/or modifications be incorporated in the appending claims.