Gutter guards definitely help, but they're not foolproof. Installed some last year thinking I'd never climb a ladder again...wrong. They cut down on leaves, sure, but smaller debris still sneaks in. Still beats scooping out handfuls of soggy leaves every fall though.
Yeah, gutter guards are definitely a mixed bag. I've inspected plenty of homes where people thought they'd solved their gutter issues completely, only to find smaller debris and even pine needles slipping through. They do help reduce the workload, but they're not a set-it-and-forget-it solution.
One thing I've noticed is that the type of guard matters a lot—mesh screens tend to handle smaller debris better than those plastic covers with larger holes. Also, the angle of your roof and surrounding trees can make a big difference. If you've got tall pines nearby, you're probably still climbing that ladder occasionally.
Another thing worth mentioning: even with guards installed, it's good practice to check gutters after major storms or heavy winds. I've seen cases where branches or debris pile up on top of the guards themselves, causing water to overflow and potentially damage siding or foundations.
Still beats scooping out handfuls of soggy leaves though...no argument there.
"mesh screens tend to handle smaller debris better than those plastic covers with larger holes."
Mesh screens do have their advantages, but honestly, I've seen them get overwhelmed pretty quickly during heavy storms. If you're dealing with extreme weather regularly, you might want to consider upgrading your downspouts instead—larger diameter downspouts can handle sudden surges of water and debris better. It's not a perfect fix either, but it can save you from some nasty overflow surprises...especially if your area gets hit hard by storms frequently.
"larger diameter downspouts can handle sudden surges of water and debris better."
True, bigger downspouts can definitely help, but I've noticed even those can clog up if leaves and branches pile on during a major storm. One thing that's worked pretty well for me is trimming back nearby trees regularly—fewer branches overhead means less debris to deal with later. Still, I'm curious if anyone's tried combining mesh screens with larger downspouts...does that combo hold up better when things get really intense?
I've installed mesh screens with wider downspouts on a few houses, and honestly, it's a mixed bag. They do catch most leaves, but smaller debris and pine needles still slip through. Had one homeowner call me after a big storm—screens were clear, but the downspout itself got jammed halfway down...
