- Gotta say, I’m not totally sold on the metal mesh guards. They’re better than foam, sure, but I’ve seen them clog up with pine needles and moss around here—especially after a couple of stormy weeks.
- The rubberized edge strips you mentioned? Tried ‘em last fall. They *look* slick at first, but if your gutters aren’t perfectly straight, they can peel or warp a bit. Plus, squirrels seem to think they’re a buffet.
- Honestly, nothing’s really “set it and forget it” in the PNW. I’m still climbing up there every few months, rain or shine.
- One trick: I started using a leaf blower (on low) to clear stuff off the mesh before it gets soggy and heavy. Not perfect, but beats scooping out sludge by hand.
- If you find something that actually stays clean and doesn’t attract critters, let me know... my gutters are basically a wildlife corridor at this point.
If you find something that actually stays clean and doesn’t attract critters, let me know... my gutters are basically a wildlife corridor at this point.
That’s pretty much my situation too. I’ve tried those “no-clog” claims, but after a couple months it’s just another thing to scrape off. The leaf blower trick is clever, though—never thought to use it on the mesh before stuff gets soggy. Curious, have you noticed any damage to the mesh from the blower over time? I’m always worried about weakening the seams or blowing stuff under the guard instead of off it.
I’ve actually tried the leaf blower on the mesh guards a few times, but I get what you mean about possibly damaging the seams. Mine are aluminum, and after a couple seasons I did notice some of the edges started to warp a bit—not sure if that’s from the blower or just our freeze-thaw cycles here in Michigan. I will say, it’s a lot easier than hand-scooping, but sometimes I feel like I’m just blasting the gunk deeper into the gutter instead of off the top.
Funny thing—one year I skipped cleaning for too long and ended up with a whole family of chipmunks nesting in there. Not exactly what I had in mind for “green roofing.” Have you ever tried any of those brush-style inserts? I’ve heard mixed things, but I’m curious if they’re any less prone to clogging or critter invasions.
I’ve looked into those brush-style inserts, but honestly, I’m not convinced they’re much better for keeping critters out. The bristles might slow down leaves, but I’ve seen squirrels and birds just pull them out or nest right on top. Plus, in heavy rain, debris can still get tangled up and clog things. I get the appeal of less maintenance, but sometimes it feels like just trading one hassle for another. For what it’s worth, I’ve had more luck with fine stainless mesh—less warping than aluminum, and it seems to hold up better through our wild Midwest winters.
- Totally get what you mean about the brush inserts. Seen more than one squirrel treat those like a free spa day—just lounging right on top.
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Yep, had a customer call me because a robin built a whole condo in theirs. Not exactly critter-proof.“I’ve seen squirrels and birds just pull them out or nest right on top.”
- Stainless mesh is my go-to too. Holds up better when the snow piles up, and doesn’t get all bent out of shape like the cheap aluminum stuff.
- Only downside I’ve noticed: if you don’t clear the mesh before winter, ice dams can still sneak in. But at least you’re not pulling bird nests out every spring...