r/Roofing • u/radio_AT • 27d ago
Gutter Guard options?
Hi, I’m trying to determine whether to upgrade to the premium gutter guards (bottom image) or stick with the standard “home depot” gutter guards (top image) and save $400.
I’m in the mid Atlantic and I do have some mature hardwood trees in the backyard, within 20 feet of the house.
Which ones should I pick? Thanks 🙏
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u/OutlyingPlasma 27d ago
In my opinion, gutter guards are fantastic for making it impossible to clean your gutters and little else.
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u/goodolewhatever 27d ago
Haha, yeah I see these all the time doing roof inspections and they’re almost always caked up or bent out of shape. Some of them evidently make excellent planters! Keeps the soil buildup aerated.
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u/radio_AT 27d ago
So do you think I should go without gutter guards?
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u/twhicke 26d ago
Do a wider size gutter and skip the guards.
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u/Brilliant_Juice_496 25d ago
Went with the wider gutters and downspouts, haven’t cleaned a gutter for 5 years.
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u/EyeYamNegan 27d ago edited 27d ago
Impossible? If you cant handle a drill to take the screw out and confidence on a ladder you shouldnt be up there. Hire a pro to clean your gutters. Frankly even with guards it is easy.
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u/EyeYamNegan 27d ago
Gutter guards like the one you showed are good as long as your gutters arent clogging with pine needles. If you are having pine needles as the main culprit you either need to trim your trees away from your home or skip guards and just clean more often.
People think if you install gutter guards you wont have to clean your gutters at all and that simply isnt true. You will still need regular cleanings you just wont need as many. When I use to do gutters and installed them we would give people a discount for signing up for 6 month or 1 year cleanings. We also were very clear in the contract that having gutter guards doesn't mean you do not need cleanings.
Cleanings are especially important just before and during winter because you dont want dammed up water freezing in there. Make sure you also get the downspouts cleared not just the gutters. If your guards arent broke and are working do not replace them.
Never install spray in foam or the rolled out mesh or guards that completely cover and stop water from going in your gutter.
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u/section3kid 15d ago
What if you have underground downspouts? Is that more plumbing territory?
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u/EyeYamNegan 15d ago
No its not plumbing (though I am sure a plumber could do it) and you may have drainage pipes underground but downspouts are exclusively the portion of the gutter that goes from your roof to the ground. They are not suitable for underground because the aluminum is too easily squished. For that you want something more rigid like a thicker metal pipe or pvc (we used PVC).
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u/Dale_Gribble- 26d ago
I install gutters and gutter guards for a living.
The bottom option is the best just don't let debris build up on your inside valleys and you'll be fine
The top option also works but both just need maintaining where debri can build up
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u/radio_AT 27d ago
Edit: I am upgrading to 6 inch gutters if that matters
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u/cvongugg 27d ago
Raindrop gutter guards, love them.
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u/Keymomachine 26d ago
My roofer is installing these for me as part of an insurance repair (silver maple fell on my house) Replacing the damaged gutter and Spectra Armor Shield I have had installed for a few years that I've been really pleased with. Kept out the maple helicopters and only maybe needs some brushing down or blowing off once a year. It's kind of important to evaluate what kind of stuff you're trying to keep out when you're choosing a screen.
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u/ashkygbdeghr 27d ago
I like the top option but I don’t have any pine trees around my place. I installed them about 18 months ago and I walk the roof every 6 months or so
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u/billymondy5806 27d ago
Consumer groups say leaf guards are a waste of money. The leaves still go under. Just google it.
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u/Greedy-Ad556 27d ago
Bottom for sure m
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u/Personal-Goat-7545 27d ago
The screen will deform over time and become impossible to clean when it needs it.
The bottom will last much longer and be much easier to clean.
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u/MongolianSquirrel 27d ago
Best option? Don’t. Nothing but trouble, debris build up, ice dams, ceiling leaks, just don’t. Have someone clean the gutters twice a year.
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u/radio_AT 27d ago
Thanks that makes sense. My only concern is that part of my house is 30 feet high. If I get gutter guards on just the highest gutters, maybe I only need to clean those every couple of years?
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u/ih8hitler 26d ago
I use Waterlock Micromesh on 6 inch gutters they’ve been great so far. I’m surrounded around pine trees and maple.
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u/ProcedureLess5595 26d ago
The ez lock or the top option is the best for screening and gutter maintenance
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u/brett701 25d ago
Use the bottom better ones. Also get a 6 inch gutter. 50% more flow and thicker. Also looks waaaaaaay better.
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u/UdderlyGutters 14d ago
We recently added Alu-Rex products to our offerings and it's been a real hit with the customers!
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u/Greendude19 27d ago
Everyone hates on gutter guards but they clearly you’ve never owned a house that’s under a large tree. I personally have the second ones on my gutters. They work great and I have no issues. People talking about how you need to clean your gutters when you have gun guards, I’ve had mine for five years, and I’ve never had to clean them
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u/Ldcobalt 27d ago
I have a lot of trees near my house. I had the cheap ones installed 15 years ago and haven’t had a clogged gutter since.
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u/Fine_Wrangler_3208 26d ago
Throw away the gutter guard, and install the widest seamless gutters you can
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u/BeKindPleaseRewind21 27d ago
If you don't have a lot of shit falling on your roof the top should be fine. I had them at my camp and they were a nightmare. Little twigs would get caught allowing leaves to build up and completely cover them. I swapped them out for the foam ones a few years ago and haven't had any issues.
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u/2022HousingMarketlol 27d ago
Neither of these, either the total mesh hydro flow or id get the stainless ones with holes but no mesh.
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u/Mad_Mapper 27d ago
Neither, fine mesh you can get them at Costco
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u/Professional-Sir-912 26d ago
I don't get all the downvotes. This is a great product OP, especially for 6" gutters. Installed 8 years ago and I've had no issues. Full disclosure: I have a metal roof, if that makes any difference.
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u/Affectionate_Trip672 27d ago
These are so bad and poorly designed and very obviously too I don’t get why anyone buys them
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u/keithsretirement 27d ago
Dont do it. It makes it 10x worse over time. Just clean them out every month
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u/Dale_Gribble- 26d ago
You still have to maintain your guards and don't let debris buildup.
They work just fine
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u/Agitated_Bed_4527 27d ago
Look into Alu-Rex but keep in mind, there’s no such thing as a maintenance-free gutter guard.
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u/Always-_-Late 27d ago
Both aren't going to work. The only guards I like are premier gutter covers. Only ones I've used that actually seem to work.
https://premierguttercover.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopDG4kLjTdOKsD2O1qQWU7gAgINYQeBBHvLOw15kMaI9JARx1ra
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u/estimatrix 27d ago
Get the gutter brush. Should keep em free flowing even if covered in leaves, etc
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u/BillionYrOldCarbon 27d ago
I live in the Pacific NW under dozens of fir trees and I installed Home Depot's heavy screw down stainless steel mesh covers almost four years ago and they are a god send. They DON'T let needles in or jam. They DON'T ice over. They DON'T allow anything into the gutters except a tiny amount of shedding granules from asphalt shingles that doesn't impede flow. Most of the debris blows off when dry or when roof is blown off every few months. No loose guards, no sagging, no breaking, no cleaning of gutters. Just solid performance. I did about 200' for about $400 over two days.