Mesh guards definitely cut down on the gross factor, but I’ve found they still need a quick sweep—especially after storms. I tried one of those “no-clean” solid covers a few years back and honestly, overflow was worse than clogged gutters. Mesh feels like the right compromise if you’re surrounded by trees, though it’s not set-and-forget.
Mesh does seem to strike a balance, though I’ve noticed fine debris still sneaks through—especially with pine needles or seed pods. Has anyone tried the micro-mesh types that claim to block even the smallest stuff? Curious if they’re worth the extra install cost or just more marketing.
Has anyone tried the micro-mesh types that claim to block even the smallest stuff? Curious if they’re worth the extra install cost or just more marketing.
I put micro-mesh on the back gutters last fall, mostly because my neighbor’s pine tree seems to think my house is its personal compost bin. They do catch more of the tiny stuff, but now I’m finding the mesh itself gets a layer of grime and pollen that needs hosing off. Anyone else dealing with that, or is it just my luck with these relentless trees?
They do catch more of the tiny stuff, but now I’m finding the mesh itself gets a layer of grime and pollen that needs hosing off.
- That’s not just your luck—micro-mesh is great for keeping out needles and seeds, but pollen and fine dirt can definitely cake up on top, especially if you’ve got trees dropping stuff all year.
- I see this a lot during spring inspections. Gutters stay clearer, but the mesh can look pretty gross after a few weeks. Usually a quick rinse with a hose does the trick, but if you’re in pollen central, it might be a regular chore.
- If your neighbor’s pine is anything like the monster next to my garage, even the “self-cleaning” claims are a stretch. Wind helps, but not enough.
- On the plus side, at least you’re not scooping out sludge every season. Just have to remember to check the mesh after storms or heavy pollen drops.
- One tip: steeper roof pitches seem to help debris slide off the mesh better. Flatter roofs? Expect more buildup.
- Not perfect, but still beats climbing up there with a trowel twice a year...
On the plus side, at least you’re not scooping out sludge every season. Just have to remember to check the mesh after storms or heavy pollen drops.
Honestly, that’s the main reason I’m even considering these things—my gutters turn into compost bins by October. But now I’m picturing myself up there with a hose every other week instead of a trowel. Not sure if that’s an upgrade or just a new flavor of hassle.
I’ve got a low-pitch roof and two giant maples that seem to shed stuff year-round, so I’m guessing I’d be in the “regular rinse” club. Anyone tried just letting the grime build up for a while? Does it actually clog up and overflow, or is it more of an eyesore than a real problem? I don’t mind ugly if it means less work, but if water starts pouring over the edge, that’s another story...
Also, those “self-cleaning” claims crack me up. If wind alone could clean anything around here, my car wouldn’t look like a yellow fuzzball every spring.
