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An Illinois couple claims the LeafFilter gutter system is defective and actually left them with more work to do to ensure their gutters worked properly.
According to lead plaintiffs James and Geraldine Zilinsky, the LeafFilter gutter system is advertised as a time- and labor-saving device that will spare homeowners the hassle of traditional gutter cleaning. In fact, the couple says they and other consumers paid a premium for the product based on these marketing claims.
However, they soon discovered the product suffered from defects that made it more difficult for their gutters to function. In addition, the LeafFilter’s defects resulted in damage to their property.
“LeafFilter possesses a latent defect that prevents substantial amounts of rainwater from passing through the LeafFilter system and instead causes (1) rainwater to flow over the top of the LeafFilter system and damage Plaintiffs’ and class members’ homes, foundations, landscaping, sidewalks, and fascia; and (2) debris to accumulate on top of the LeafFilter system that must be cleaned off by the homeowner,” the class action lawsuit alleges.
LeafFilter is advertised as a gutter guard, according to the class action lawsuit, that purportedly prevents leaves and other debris from entering a home’s gutter, saving homeowners from the task of gutter cleaning. The product is touted as protecting a home’s gutters from all types of debris, including leaves, pine needles and even grit from shingles, the complaint states.
The Zalinskys say they fell for advertising by the manufacturer LeafFilter North, in early 2020 and paid more than $3,000 to have the product installed in their home; however, the plaintiffs say, they noticed water washed over the system during heavy rainfall within a month of having the system in place. They claim that prior to calling to notify the company about the rainfall overflow issue, they were never informed that the LeafFilter would not work during heavy rain.
According to the complaint, LeafFilter recommended lowering their gutters to solve the problem. The Zalinskys said they hired another contractor to evaluate whether the gutters could be lowered on their home and were told emphatically not to lower the gutters. Instead, the couple alleges, they paid nearly $400 to have the LeafFilter removed and it is now sitting in their garage.
“Had Defendant disclosed the defect, Plaintiffs and class members would have negotiated a lower price to reflect the risk and defect or simply avoided the risk and defect altogether by not purchasing LeafFilter,” the complaint states.
The class action lawsuit claims LeafFilter North has known of problems with its product for years but still advertises the product to consumers. The plaintiffs say LeafFilter North actively conceals the defective nature of the LeafFilter from consumers.
The complaint points out that many consumers have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) about LeafFilter, along with notifying their attorney general’s office.
According to the class action lawsuit, the filter on the LeafFilter gutter system is too fine. It clogs up, the complaints say, and needs more cleaning than the regular gutters ever did. Online complaints also describe water pour off homes with LeafFilter installed, causing mold and other damage.
The plaintiffs contend LeafFilter North not only fails to disclose its defective product in its marketing materials, it makes an effort to scrub the internet of consumer complaints.
According to the class action lawsuit, “once consumers complain about the LeafFilter defect, Defendant enters into confidential settlement agreements with consumers, which requires the consumer to promise not to disparage/ further disparage the LeafFilter system through online message or complaint boards such as the BBB, yelp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and other consumer information websites and social media platforms, as a condition of removal and refund.”
In addition, the plaintiffs say LeafFilter North falsely advertises its warranty.
Allegedly, the so-called limited lifetime warranty is “specifically crafted” to only cover internal clogs in the gutter system; however, the plaintiffs point out the problem comes from debris on top of the LeafFilter that does not allow water to enter into the gutter.
The class action lawsuit seeks to represent a nationwide Class of consumers who purchased a LeafFilter gutter system, as well as Ohio and Illinois subclasses. The plaintiffs accuse LeafFilter North of violating state consumer protection lawsuit, of fraud and of unjust enrichment.
Have you had a LeafFilter gutter system installed? We want to hear from you! Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.
The lead plaintiffs James and Geraldine Zilinsky and the proposed Class Members are represented by Jeffrey S. Goldenberg and Todd B. Naylor of Goldenberg Schneider LPA; and Janet R. Varnell, Matthew Peterson and Brian Warwick of Varnell & Warwick.
The LeafFilter Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Zilinsky v. LeafFilter North LLC, Case No. 2:20-cv-6229, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division.
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453 thoughts onLeafFilter Gutter System Defective, Class Action Lawsuit Says
I just had mine installed today 6/27/2023. I did not get what they show you when the sales person shows you pictures and the web site shows. My original problem with my gutters were splashing on edges from being too low and clogging and mold. They finished the install and the gutters are still low. They only installed one drain pipe on back of house which spans the whole house, did have 2 before to ensure proper drainage. not what pictures show and what sold us. The hangers are suppost to be so many inches apart for strength … not feet like what they installed. They put up splash boards that will collect leaves and such due to them being low… I have already posted a BBB complaint… I have left voice messages at office which was closed when they finish their work, i called main number to e-mail that office to contact me first thing in the morning. From how fast they installed this , i am highly concerned they did not seal it properly as to what was to to us on sales pitch. The folded pieces of metal under the gutter are an eye sore also, just cheap and sad. For something you pay this much for. Now i am concerned about damage and them falling off not being secure enough.
I have noticed on the BBB website multiple complaints and generic answers about contract section D fees for repairs and service. Lifetime warranty only covers clogs inside gutters not the screens etc or repairs. There is a service fee of 95 to 100 dollars if you need this done.
Why does this company have a A+ rating with the BBB and top rated everywhere…… They hide the real problems and cover up any bad reviews. Thankful BBB shows them but not sure why rating is not lower. Just another over rated , sub contracted installer company that is not even close to being a top rated business.
I have had bird nest in my gutter because of huge holes they left also they damaged my roof and will not fix it. i have pictures of my roof before they came out with no problems and now i have issues. They are the worst people to deal with they always have excuses.
If it sounds too good to be true it’s probably leaf filter. Talk to someone who did business with them.
My experience with this company is a horror story.
During installation after they took down my gutters there was a heavy rainstorm. I operate a Personal Care Home and they rain flooded my Russian resident’s room first thing on the morning. The rainwater ran through a portion of my house into the basement. Water damages in seen and unseen spaces. Leaf Guard ruined my roof as they installed the gutters via the roof because it was easier than ladders. So much equipment and heavy men wore out a decent roof. Then last summer the gutter they installed via the roof came crashing down ( about three stories) luckily no one was injured or killed. The water damages that lead to that event is evident. We really suffered. They came and reinstalled gutters via ladders but the damages that developed prior to the gutter crash is still existing. A retaining wall fell, rotten wood, compromised siding. It’s exhausting. I just wished they were decent enough to do right by me and my business property. I made attempts with lawyers and they Better Business Bureau. They have protection and lawyers. I paid Ten thousand dollars only because of their threats.
It was and still is a horrible experience. To be honest I really didn’t need to get gutters I just like making renovations to the property every year.
We had the Leaf Filter system installed in the fall of 2021 at a cost of $5100. We have a one story home in Charlotte North Carolina. The screens of the Leaf filter keep getting covered with debris and then the gutters overflow causing damage. Also the pollen can cog the fine screens. Another problem during installation was that the shingles covered up half of the screen and this caused reduced water flow. The installer claimed they aren’t allowed to trim the shingles.
I fixed some of these problems but I do have to clean the debris from the screens from time to time. The Leaf Filter TV advertising is false because you still have to climb a ladder to clean the gutters to prevent overflow. I have lots of picture and video evidence.
We paid about 7000 dollars to have Leaf Filter System put on our gutters 3 years ago. We have a two story home so it is very hard to see what the gutters look like. However, in the last 3 years I have called Leaf Filter 22 times complaining about the mesh filters flying off of the gutters. I suspect a problem in design or installation. Every time the wind blows,off they come and the warranty does not cover wind. How ridiculous as we live on the water! The company loves to charge us everytime they have to come to repair this system. I am wanting to join a Class Action Suit.
I purchased the Lead Filter system in about 2013 for my home at 7723 Broadleaf Dr., Parsonsburg Md 21849. The system alway over flowed, which I figured was to be expected during really heavy rains. As time went on it only got worse.
In 2020 I put that house on the market. The buyer inspector point out issue with the facia. I had to contractor to pulled all the gutters to repair the facia. Once the Leaf Filter system was remove we found the underside nearly completely blinded with an algae slim. I spent several hours with bleach and cleaners scrubbing this off.
To advertise that never have to clean your gutter again is false advertisement. The repairs cost ran me $3,149.88, which does not include my time and materials to clean the Leaf Filter units.
I had Leaf Filter installed on my house and began to have trouble with them immediately. I called them and they sent somebody out to fix it as all of the screens were sticking up. They were spaces in between each section that they installed. There was a waterfall off the front of my house and a waterfall off the back of my house which has caused rotten wood. They have sent several contractors out and have neglected to fix the problem. As of this date I submitted estimates for the damage to my house to be reported as property damage and it was all denied. I have tried and tried to call you never get a real person and the people they contract to do the work or not experienced and do not work for them , the first guy that came to install it was jumping off the ladder because he forgot his gloves he’s also afraid of spiders. Worst decision I ever made as far as the house goes and I’m out about $15,000.
Somebody needs to stop these people from ripping so many people off the system does not work
They do a great job of scrubbing the internet, I found this on ‘Freespoke.com
I am so glad I found this, yesterday 3/20/2023 I signed a contract with LeafFilter 166 Linder ft of gutter and 253 ft of downspouts along with a few bends. Total price started at $18,630.00. And got down to $11,500.00 and we signed the contract. Later I called the Rep to get an understanding the pricing and then after was told that the downspout was $28.00 per ft….I said you can purchase 10 ft of downspout for $17.00 hw do justify $280.00.
She says we use really good aluminum…..I cancelled the contract and placed a stop payment on the check.
We had leaf filter installed,and had to call several times about them running over when it rains. They came out at least 4 times and cleaned the debris off,the last time we called they tried to charge us $99.00