Totally agree about foam inserts—seen plenty of soggy messes during inspections. Metal mesh definitely holds up better, especially with pines. But heads up, even mesh needs occasional brushing off...nothing's completely maintenance-free.
Yeah, mesh is definitely better overall, but even then I've noticed tiny seedlings sneaking through after heavy rains. Last spring, I found a mini maple forest sprouting up there—nature finds a way, right? Regular checks still save headaches later on.
Mesh definitely helps, but you're right—it's not foolproof. I've seen weeds and even moss somehow thriving up there. Honestly, nature's persistence is impressive...and a bit annoying. Still, regular checks are key; catching those tiny sprouts early saves you from bigger issues down the line. A quick glance every couple of weeks during rainy seasons usually does the trick for me. Better a few minutes now than hours later dealing with clogged gutters and water damage, right?
Mesh is helpful, sure, but honestly, I've found that relying too heavily on it can sometimes lead to complacency. You mentioned checking every couple of weeks during rainy seasons, and while that's definitely proactive, I think there's a case to be made for seasonal deep cleans instead. Hear me out—regular quick checks are great for spotting obvious sprouts or debris, but smaller particles and organic matter can still slip through mesh and build up gradually. Over time, this creates a perfect environment for moss and algae growth, especially if your roof area gets limited sunlight.
In my experience, scheduling a thorough gutter clean at the end of autumn and again in early spring has been more effective. Autumn cleaning clears out fallen leaves and debris before winter sets in, preventing ice dams and blockages. Spring cleaning tackles any buildup from winter storms and prepares your gutters for heavy spring rains. Between these two major cleanings, I rarely have to worry about surprise growth or clogs.
Also, something else to consider—mesh itself can sometimes trap moisture underneath, creating a damp environment that's ironically ideal for moss. I've seen roofs where the mesh actually accelerated moss growth because it held moisture against the shingles. If you're noticing persistent moss issues, it might be worth experimenting with different mesh materials or even removing it temporarily to see if conditions improve.
Not saying your method doesn't work—clearly it does—but just wanted to offer another perspective based on what I've observed. Gutters are one of those things where there's no perfect solution, just trade-offs and finding what works best for your specific situation.
Totally agree about the seasonal cleans—I've found the same thing. Quick checks are fine, but they don't catch everything. Have you tried copper strips or zinc flashing near the roof ridge? I've noticed they help reduce moss and algae growth significantly, especially on shaded roofs. Mesh can be hit or miss for me too... sometimes it feels like more trouble than it's worth.
