- Mesh screens can definitely freeze up, especially if you’re in a spot with heavy snow or freeze/thaw cycles. I’ve seen it happen on a few jobs—ice forms right over the mesh and actually blocks drainage worse than just leaves would.
- One thing folks overlook: the color and material of your roof can make a difference. Darker roofs melt snow faster, which helps, but if you’ve got a lot of shade, ice dams are almost inevitable no matter what filter you use.
- Personally, I’ve had better luck with larger, sloped gutter covers (the kind that shed debris) rather than fine mesh. Less clogging, and they don’t seem to trap as much ice.
- If you’re open to it, green roofing or even just a bit more attic insulation can help reduce ice damming overall. Not a quick fix, but it’s made a noticeable difference for me.
I get the point about mesh screens freezing up, but honestly, I’m not sure the larger sloped covers are always better. On my place (pretty average-sized roof, lots of maples), the sloped ones still let those little helicopter seeds in, and they just pile up in the gutter anyway. What I ended up doing was cleaning the gutters twice a year and adding some extra insulation in the attic. I haven’t had major ice dam issues since, even though I’m in a pretty snowy area. Maybe it’s not all about the gutter covers? Sometimes just keeping up with maintenance and making sure heat isn’t leaking into the attic goes a long way.
Maybe it’s not all about the gutter covers? Sometimes just keeping up with maintenance and making sure heat isn’t leaking into the attic goes a long way.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally convinced regular maintenance alone cuts it for everyone. In my case, after a few years of “just cleaning,” I still had water backing up behind the fascia during heavy spring storms. The insulation helped with ice dams, sure, but didn’t solve the debris problem. Gutter covers aren’t perfect—especially with maples—but for folks who can’t (or don’t want to) get up there twice a year, they’re at least worth considering. I do wish there was a design that actually kept out those helicopter seeds though...
I hear you on the maintenance side, but I keep wondering if the cost of gutter covers really pays off in the long run. I’ve priced out a few systems and even the mid-range ones are a chunk of change—especially if you’ve got a lot of linear footage. I get the appeal for folks who can’t get up on a ladder, but for me, it’s hard to justify the upfront expense when a decent extension ladder and a couple hours twice a year seem to do the trick. Maybe I’ll feel differently as I get older, but for now, I’m still on the fence. Those maple seeds are relentless, though...
Maple seeds are the bane of my spring, too—those little helicopters find their way into every nook and cranny. I totally get where you’re coming from on the cost. I hesitated for a couple years before finally biting the bullet on gutter covers for my place (midwest, lots of trees, old farmhouse). The sticker shock is real, especially if you’ve got a lot of roofline. For me, it was less about not wanting to get on a ladder and more about the constant hassle. I’d clean everything out in April, and by June, the gutters were packed again. It felt like a losing battle.
What finally pushed me over the edge was a minor water issue—overflow from clogged gutters started seeping into my basement. That cleanup cost more than the covers would’ve, and I figured I’d rather pay once than keep risking it. Since installing them, I still check the gutters once or twice a year, but it’s more of a quick look than a full-on cleanout. The covers aren’t perfect—some debris still piles up on top, and I have to brush it off now and then—but I haven’t had a clog since.
I will say, if you’re comfortable on a ladder and don’t mind the routine, it’s hard to beat the DIY approach for cost. But if you ever get tired of the hassle, or if you start noticing water where it shouldn’t be, the investment starts to make more sense. Plus, if you’re thinking long-term (and maybe resale value), buyers seem to like the idea of “maintenance-free” gutters, even if that’s a bit of a stretch.
One thing I wish I’d done differently: I went with a mid-range system, but if I could do it again, I’d probably splurge for the finer mesh. The cheaper ones let some of the smaller stuff through, and I still have to poke around in the corners. Just something to keep in mind if you ever decide to go for it.
