Interesting point about the foam inserts—I've seen similar issues in areas with heavy tree coverage, especially where there's a lot of pollen or fine debris. Sometimes, even mesh screens get overwhelmed if the gutter pitch is off and water isn't moving fast enough. Has anyone tried any of the newer micro-mesh covers? I keep reading mixed reviews, but I'm curious if they actually hold up better in climates with a lot of organic debris.
Sometimes, even mesh screens get overwhelmed if the gutter pitch is off and water isn't moving fast enough.
Yeah, I’ve noticed that too—my gutters looked like a swamp after a big storm last spring. I tried one of those micro-mesh covers (the kind that claims to keep out everything but water), and honestly, they did better than the foam, but pine needles still found a way in. Maybe it’s just my luck or the fact that my neighbor’s tree seems determined to sabotage me. Has anyone had luck with those reverse curve covers? I’m tempted, but they look like a pain to install...
Has anyone had luck with those reverse curve covers? I’m tempted, but they look like a pain to install...
Tried the reverse curve style a couple years back—honestly, installation was more fiddly than I expected, especially getting the angle right so water actually follows the curve. They did keep out most debris, but in heavy rain, water sometimes overshot the gutter entirely. For the price, I’m not convinced they’re a huge upgrade over micro-mesh, especially if you’re dealing with pine needles. If you’re handy and patient, maybe worth a shot, but I’d double-check your gutter pitch first. Sometimes a good cleaning and adjusting the slope does more than any cover.
- Installed reverse curve covers last fall on my folks’ house (asphalt shingles, moderate pitch, lots of maples nearby).
- Lining them up was trickier than I thought—if you’re off by even a little, water just skips right over.
- They did block leaves, but smaller stuff (like maple seeds) still found a way in.
- Noticed in heavy rain, the water sometimes shot past the gutter... kind of defeats the purpose.
- Honestly, micro-mesh was easier for me to deal with and seemed to catch more debris. If you’re not set on reverse curve, might be worth comparing both.
- Had similar issues with reverse curve on my own place (asphalt, low pitch, lots of oak debris).
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Yep, alignment was a pain and I still got overflow during storms.“if you’re off by even a little, water just skips right over.”
- Micro-mesh worked better for me too—caught the tiny stuff and didn’t mess with water flow as much.
- Only downside: have to brush off the mesh after heavy pollen drops. Still, less hassle than fishing out seeds from the gutter.
