Totally agree on metal guards being more durable. I've had aluminum ones installed for about five years now, and they've held up impressively through some harsh winters and heavy storms. One thing I'd add though—make sure they're properly angled during installation. I've seen poorly installed metal guards still accumulate debris and water pooling, leading to rust spots over time. Proper setup makes all the difference... learned that the hard way with my first set.
"Proper setup makes all the difference... learned that the hard way with my first set."
Yeah, that's a solid point. I've seen metal guards hold up great, but installation really is key. One thing I'd suggest is double-checking the overlap between sections—sometimes installers rush through and leave small gaps. Even tiny openings can trap debris or let water seep underneath, causing issues down the line. Sounds like you've got it figured out now though, good stuff.
Yeah, installation definitely makes or breaks it. I remember when I first put guards on my gutters a few years back—I thought I'd nailed it, but after the first big storm, I noticed water spilling over the sides like crazy. Climbed up there and found out I'd left just enough of a gap between sections to let leaves and pine needles wedge themselves in. Took me a whole afternoon to clear it all out and redo the overlaps properly.
Since then, they've held up pretty well. Honestly, I think most gutter guards can do the job if they're installed right and you keep an eye on them every now and then. The expensive brands might be nice, but from what I've seen, it's more about careful setup and occasional maintenance than spending big bucks on premium filters.
Did you end up using any special tools or methods to get the overlaps right the second time around? I ran into the same issue—thought I had it all figured out, but the gaps between sections were just enough to let debris sneak through. Ended up getting back on the ladder after every storm until I finally got fed up and redid the whole thing.
What worked for me was overlapping each section a bit more generously than the instructions suggested and securing them with a few extra zip screws. Haven't had any major issues since, but I still climb up every now and then just to check. I agree that most gutter guards can work fine if installed correctly, but I wonder if certain designs or materials handle heavy rain better than others? Curious if anyone's noticed a difference.
I've noticed the mesh-style guards seem to handle heavy downpours better than the solid covers—less overflow during storms. Did you try different types before settling on yours, or just went with what was recommended?
