How Surface Tension Works Gutters

This is surface tension in action.

How surface tension works gutters. The principle of surface tension is actually quite simple. Surface tension gives the advantage gutter guard two advantages. When it comes to the edge of the gutter cover the water molecules cling together and slip smoothly into the gap between the cover and the gutter. The water creates an elastic skin and small objects can float or move across this surface.

The tension then creates a kind of seal that prevents anything apart from other liquids from passing through. Let the water run until the glass is just about to overflow and then observe how the water on the surface bulges into a dome like shape just before spilling over. The surface tension of water along with the force generated by the liquid either falling as rain or flowing as runoff allow it to cling to the gutter cover instead of bouncing off onto the ground. Water moves in a sheet down your roof and across the gutter cover.

The water from the roof is directed into the gutter and away from the house even in the heaviest downpours. When you re using surface tension gutter covers you use the power of this tension to your advantage. Surface tension is a natural phenomenon where a liquid like water when it comes in contact with the gas acts like a thin elastic sheet.