You’re spot on about guards not being a magic fix. I’ve seen plenty of homes where folks thought they could just install them and forget it, only to end up with water backing up under the shingles. Micro-mesh does help, but like you said, especially with heavy tree cover, stuff still finds a way in. Your twice-a-year routine is honestly what keeps things in check. It’s not glamorous work, but it beats dealing with rotten fascia or foundation issues later.
Mesh guards definitely cut down on the big stuff, but I’ve pulled handfuls of pine needles out from under them more times than I can count. If you’re in a spot with a lot of maples or pines, I always suggest popping the covers off every spring and fall. It’s a pain, but saves you from a much bigger headache down the line. And yeah, water sneaking under shingles is no joke—seen it rot out sheathing before anyone even noticed. Just part of living near trees, I guess.
I hear you on the pine needles. Honestly, those mesh guards felt like a waste of money for me—still ended up cleaning out the gutters twice a year anyway. Had to replace a section of fascia last spring because I got lazy one fall... not worth the risk, even if it’s a hassle. Living under a row of old pines just means constant vigilance, I guess.
