I debated getting those mesh guards for ages but kept putting it off because of the cost. Ended up DIYing something similar last fall with some leftover mesh from another project and zip ties—definitely not winning any beauty contests, haha, but it's held up surprisingly well. I used to dread climbing up there every few months, especially after storms, but now it's more like a once-a-year quick check to clear out minor debris. Honestly, even the homemade version has saved me a ton of hassle. If I ever redo my gutters entirely, though, I might spring for the real deal just to see if there's much difference. For now, I'm pretty happy with my scrappy little setup!
That's a solid DIY approach—zip ties and leftover mesh can go a long way. One thing to keep an eye on, though: after big storms, even with guards, debris can sometimes wedge itself under the edges or corners. I've seen setups that look totally clear from below, but once you climb up, there's a sneaky pile of leaves or twigs hiding out. Have you noticed anything like that with your homemade guards, or has it been pretty smooth sailing?
I've definitely run into that sneaky debris issue you're talking about. Last spring, after a particularly nasty storm, I thought my gutters were totally clear—nothing visible from the ground at all. But when I finally climbed up there, sure enough, there was a whole mini compost pile hiding under the mesh. It wasn't huge, but enough to cause some overflow during the next rain.
One thing I've learned over the years is that no gutter guard setup is completely foolproof, especially DIY ones. They help a ton, but there's always some maintenance involved. Usually, I try to do a quick check after big storms or at least once in late fall and again in early spring. Have you found certain types of mesh or guard designs better at preventing those hidden piles, or is it just something we have to live with?
I've been wondering about this too, since I'm pretty new to homeownership and still figuring things out. I installed some basic mesh guards last fall, and they seemed okay at first, but after winter I found a surprising amount of gunk underneath. Maybe it's just inevitable? Curious if anyone's tried those fancier micro-mesh ones—are they worth the extra cost or just marketing hype?
Yeah, mesh guards can be hit or miss. I've seen the same thing—basic ones still let finer debris through, especially after winter storms. Micro-mesh is pricier but honestly does a better job keeping out pine needles and tiny seeds. Still, nothing's totally maintenance-free...you'll probably still need to check them once or twice a year. If you're up for it, might be worth trying on just one section first before committing fully.
