I went the mesh route too, but honestly, my experience was mixed. Installed them about two years ago after getting tired of hauling out the ladder every fall. They definitely cut down on leaves, but smaller debris—like pine needles and those tiny seed pods—still managed to sneak through. Ended up having to do a mini-cleanout anyway last spring. Maybe it's just the type of trees around my place? Curious if anyone else had similar issues...
"smaller debris—like pine needles and those tiny seed pods—still managed to sneak through."
Yeah, mesh guards can be tricky with smaller stuff like pine needles. Had the same issue myself a while back. One workaround I found helpful was switching to a finer stainless steel micro-mesh guard. It catches most of the tiny debris without clogging up too quickly. Still not perfect, but it cut my mini-cleanouts down to once every couple years, which I can live with...
Had similar headaches with pine needles—those things get everywhere. Tried micro-mesh too, and yeah, it helped some. Eventually went with sedum mats on a green roof setup. Surprisingly effective at trapping smaller debris before it hits the gutters, plus less maintenance overall. Still gotta check it now and then, but way fewer cleanouts. Might not be everyone's solution, but worked pretty well for me...
Interesting take on the sedum mats—haven't seen too many of those setups in my area, but it's a clever solution. Pine needles are definitely a pain; I've inspected plenty of roofs that were practically carpeted with them, causing moisture buildup and premature wear. Micro-mesh is decent, but you're right, it's not foolproof—smaller debris still slips through eventually. I'm a bit skeptical about the longevity of green roofs in harsh climates or areas prone to heavy snowfall (seen some drainage issues there), but if your climate suits it, sounds like you've found a solid workaround. Good reminder that regular roof checks can really save headaches down the road...
"Micro-mesh is decent, but you're right, it's not foolproof—smaller debris still slips through eventually."
Yeah, micro-mesh can be hit or miss. I've seen roofs where fine grit and pollen build up over time, creating a sludge that clogs things up anyway. Regular checks definitely help catch that early. Curious though, have you noticed any issues with sedum mats attracting insects or critters? I've heard mixed experiences on that front...
