just read about roof issues popping up after winter - are you checking yours?

Curious - anyone actually had luck with those gutter guards or screens? I keep hearing mixed things, especially with all the fir needles around here. Worth it, or just another maintenance headache?

Tried a couple different gutter guard systems over the years (mesh, foam inserts, even the plastic snap-on type). Honestly, with all the fir and cedar needles we get here, none have been a perfect fix. The fine mesh ones kept out the big stuff, but the needles still managed to mat up on top and eventually I'd have to brush them off anyway. The foam type just got soggy and started to break down after a few seasons - not worth the hassle.

I will say, they do save you from full-on clogs inside the gutters, but you end up trading one kind of maintenance for another. Clearing the top of the guards is easier than digging out packed wet gunk, but it's still a chore. If you’ve got a lot of trees right overhead, especially evergreens, I’d say don’t expect a miracle.

As for moss, scraping and sweeping's about all that's worked for me too. Chemicals seem to just wash off or stain. Flashing issues - yeah, missed a split once and it cost me a weekend in the attic with a shop vac...

- Been down the gutter guard road too. Had the micro-mesh ones for a while - like you said, they stopped the big junk but fir needles just piled up on top. Ended up on a ladder brushing them off every few weeks during fall.
- The foam style was a total bust for me - turned into a soggy mess and actually made it worse.
- I will say, cleaning off the top of the guards is less gross than pulling out wet, packed leaves from inside, but it’s still not “maintenance-free.”
- My neighbor swears by just leaving gutters open and cleaning twice a year. Honestly, not sure there’s a perfect answer if you’ve got big trees overhead.
- As for moss, same deal - scraping and sweeping is all that’s worked for me. Tried sprays but they never lasted long.
- Missed flashing can be sneaky... had a leak last winter that took forever to find. Now I do a quick walk-around every spring and fall just in case.

Missed flashing can be sneaky... had a leak last winter that took forever to find.

That’s a big one - flashing failures are way more common than folks think. I always tell people: check the valleys and around chimneys, not just the shingles. Even a tiny gap can let water in and cause hidden rot. Gutter guards are a mixed bag, honestly. I’ve seen more clogged guards than clean gutters some years. If you’re under big trees, nothing’s really “set and forget.”

Gutter guards are a mixed bag, honestly. I’ve seen more clogged guards than clean gutters some years.

Couldn’t agree more on that. I’ve seen folks put in those fancy guards and then just forget about them, only to end up with a mess when the leaves pile up anyway. Around here (Pacific NW), moss is another headache - gets under the flashing and you’d never know until there’s a leak. I always tell people to give their roof a quick once-over after a storm, even if everything “looks fine” from the ground. Sometimes it’s the little stuff that sneaks up on you.

- I’ve got those mesh guards and yeah… they still need cleaning. Pine needles just laugh at them.
- Learned my lesson after ignoring the gutters one winter - had a waterfall off the back porch. Not as fun as it sounds.
- Moss is a beast where I am too (western WA). Tried scrubbing, but it keeps coming back like it owns the place.
- Quick check after a storm saves a ton of hassle. I usually spot a loose shingle or two - cheaper to fix right away than wait.
- Not convinced any guard is “set it and forget it.” They all seem to need babysitting.