Gutter guard questions

[oldhudson]

I need to get new gutters and we want to add some type of protection so I don't have to get on the ladder and clean gutters. We have lots and lots of leafs, a multitude of seeds in the spring and pine needles. Does anyone have a product they recommend and one they suggest I stay clear of? Thanks!

[savethebeer]

There are a few types around. Don't know which works best.

  

 

[Scrappile]

That Hedgehog one is interesting, never see any like that before. I can not say, I do not have gutter guards, should have but do not.

The main problem I see with both,they will not stop the dirt run off from the roof and seeds, which mean things can still grow in you gutters.  Still need to be sprayed out once a year. And not you have added the problem of have to work around the gutter guards to get it cleaned not.  Like I said, I do not have them, so I may be missing something.  I will shut up now.

Edited April 27, 2023 by Scrappile

[GrampaJim]

I wonder if winter weather (snow and ice melt) would be a problem.  Ice dams on your roof can be a really bad problem to have. 

[Gene Howe]

Us desert dwellers don't have too many tall plants that drop leaves. Saguaros are not diceduous. And we sure don't have gutters. 

[Dan]

I have tried several types from the big box stores and am not impressed. I will spend the $$ to get professional installation. 

[JimErn]

Gutter guards still collect dirt and stuff, they also need to be cleaned.

In winter if you have snow, it just accumulates, and if there is a freeze it will start to back up under the roofing material, ice dam they call it.

I use something like this one, ladders at my age a deal breaker

https://www.amazon.com/Cleaning-Cleaners-Telescoping-Universal-Attachment/dp/B0BPM3T3MG/?th=1

 

[kmmcrafts]

I have two big pine trees in my front yard fairly close to the house and then a big Oak on the other end of the house, I didn't have a huge problem with the leaves from the oak, the bigger issue was those darn pine needles. My house is nearly underground on the front side and I can reach the gutter without any ladders.. The other side I need a small ladder. I got tired of those pine needles and bought some cheap plastic leaf guard inserts from Menards. It has small holes and a screen on the back side. They have worked very well for me for the past 4 years. I have not had to go in and clean anything out yet. I need to check them and see how much dirt etc. is in them but last time I looked they was doing good still which was last summer. The occasional pine needle or two does slip through but usually washes down with a good rain, unlike when they used to just fill up with needles and clog the whole thing. 

I've read reviews on these cheap inserts and they was mostly mediocre reviews, but we all know how everyone is quick to complain about a bad experience but never say anything about a good or great experience so reviews are alway most times a bit misleading in my opinion. These was cheap plastic pieces I think only a couple dollars for a 4 ft section. I had seen reviews about how they get brittle and break from being in the sun etc.. Probably mine would break now if I tried to remove them but even if every one of them broke to remove to clean out if needed.. They was well worth the money to me if I had to replace them again.. When those pines shed.. I'd have to clean out the needles every day.. Usually left it unless rain was in the forecast but there had been a few times where I wasn't home or didn't make it so i ended up with some water in my one corner of the house where it would seep in.. so no problem with that the last 4 years.. money well spent in my opinion for my situation. Your mileage and situation may be different..   

Edited April 28, 2023 by kmmcrafts

[Dan]

One of my issues was the birds. When they find a bug crawling around they beat the heck out of the plastic and make bigger holes. Stihl makes an attachment for my blower for cleaning gutters. I may look into that option first. 

[jellis2]

The house we live in now has gutters with the guards built in. I don't know how much they cost because they were on when we moved in. I really like the way they work.

[Sycamore67]

I am in the process of getting quotes for gutter guards.  I am too old to get up on the ladder.I am looking at this maybe to clean the gutters with a pressure washer.

Edited May 6, 2023 by Sycamore67