Those pine needles are like little ninjas—always sneaking in where you least expect. I tried those mesh guards a couple years back and honestly, they just made it harder to clean out the gutters when the needles did get through. Ended up pulling them off and going back to the old ladder routine.
One thing I’ve wondered: has anyone had luck with those foam gutter inserts? I’ve heard mixed things, but never tried them myself. I’m in the PNW, so between the rain and all these pines, it’s a constant battle.
Foam inserts are a mixed bag, honestly. I tried them on a couple of my rentals and they did keep out the big stuff, but those pine needles still found a way to wedge themselves in. Plus, after a season or two in all that PNW rain, the foam started to break down and get kinda gross—think soggy sponge. I actually found it harder to clean out than just scooping leaves from an open gutter. Not sure they’re worth the hassle unless you’re desperate to avoid the ladder.
- Had the same issue with foam in my gutters.
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“the foam started to break down and get kinda gross—think soggy sponge.”
- Noticed mold and weird smells after a wet winter, which was a surprise.
- Cleaning them out was messier than just scooping leaves, honestly.
- Ended up switching to metal mesh guards. They’re not perfect (still get some pine needles), but way easier to rinse off with a hose.
- If you’re in a rainy area, foam seems like more trouble than it’s worth long-term.
- Seen my share of foam gutter guards turning into swampy science experiments—yep, mold and all.
- Metal mesh is my go-to these days. Still gotta deal with pine needles, but at least I’m not wringing out soggy foam like a dish sponge.
- Honestly, for heavy rain areas, the mess isn’t worth it with foam.
- Quick tip: mesh guards still need a rinse every season, but at least you won’t get that weird smell wafting down after a storm.
- Not perfect, but less gross.
