I've got a lot of big trees around my home, mainly oaks and maples, which means I deal with a ton of debris throughout the year like twigs, acorns, and helicopters. Currently, I have those metal wire mesh screens, kind of like chain link fencing, on some of my gutters. They do an okay job but let some smaller stuff slip through, which ends up composting in the gutters. I've noticed some good deals on finer wire mesh gutter guards at Costco, specifically the "easy on" type, and I'm curious if it's worth swapping out my existing guards for these.
3 Answers
Honestly, I've seen a lot of store-bought gutter guards that just don't cut it. If you really want quality, you might consider getting them through a roofing company. For the small debris, if you’ve got the right gutters and downspouts, most of it should just wash away. It really depends on your tree types and how well the water drains!
In my experience, fine mesh guards are a decent choice. I've had some from Costco for a couple of years now, and I haven't had to clean my gutters since! They handle light to moderate rain well, but just watch out during heavy downpours; they can spill over if the water can't drain quickly enough, which could be an issue if you need the water to funnel to your downspouts. Just something to consider!
That’s great feedback! I’ve also heard that if you see dirt on the front of your gutters, it could be a sign of overflow issues.
Gutter guards can be pretty hit or miss depending on your specific situation. Some folks swear by fine mesh, especially if your main debris is leaves. I hear they work better for oak and maple trees since their leaves just blow off usually. However, if you have a lot of pine needles, they might not hold up as well. It's also important how steep your roof is and how much pitch the gutters have; that plays a big role in keeping them clear. Overall, I've had good luck with mine as long as the roof is pitched right, but it definitely varies by setup!
That's a good point! I have oaks too, and my guards were always clear despite some heavy winds. I think you're right about pitch affecting the flow too!
Yeah, I’ve seen mixed reviews on mesh guards as well. Good to hear they work for you!
Good to know! I guess if water is shooting over, it might be time for an upgrade.