3 Mesh Gutter Guard Problems

As a homeowner myself, I know the struggle is real with trying to find ways to avoid the recurring maintenance of a home. One of the most common is gutter cleaning. Unfortunately, annual gutter cleaning is a must and it’s also a pain in the butt. You can either climb on your roof and walk along the edge, risking life and limb. Or you can spend hours slowly moving a ladder along your gutter line. Let’s face it, either way it is probably the most dangerous and  inconvenient of all the DIY projects. 

Check out Should I Buy Gutter Guards to learn more about them.

So now we are all obviously looking for the shortcut. What can I do to never have to clean my gutters again? NOTHING. Don’t even think of asking that again. Gutter cleaning is a must, you have too…well someone has too.

 But what about gutter guards?

Gutter guards are nice and they have a purpose, sometimes. But they also are not a set-it-and-forget-it addition to gutters. You will still have to clean your gutters, I promise. So lets dive into the top three most common gutter guard problems with the most common gutter guard on the market; micro mesh.

Micro Mesh Gutter Guard Problems

These guards are often constructed of a steel frame with a micro mesh netting in the middle. This mesh acts as a filter for your gutters. Generally, they are designed to allow water into your gutters while blocking leaves and debris. Theoretically, this will prevent your gutters from being clogged and needing cleaning. 

However, these guards are not the end all, be all of maintaining clean gutters. Be sure to read on and learn the four main problems with micro mesh gutter guards. 

1) Gutter Guards Trick You

This is hands down the most common problem with gutter guards. Most people believe that installing any type of guards will eliminate the need to clean your gutters. FALSE. Despite the marketing efforts of these companies, you will still need to inspect and clean your gutters. 

Oftentimes guard gutters can actually cause more frequent cleaning. If the guards are not installed properly, leaves and other debris can become stuck in the mesh guard and slowly build up over time, blocking the proper flow of water. 

Furthermore, it actual becomes even more of a hassle to clean your gutters as occasionally you may need to remove the guards to properly clean and then reinstall the gutter guards. 

2) Mesh Guard Material 

I told you earlier that micronmes guards are often constructed with a steel frame. While this is usually the case, there are actually other options. Another popular option is plastic. This is due to a cheaper price point. 

Don’t forget the golden rule…you get what you pay for. The problem with plastic is, it’s plastic. Plastic guards will not fit your gutters properly and will decay faster than steel. 

So if you have made the decision to purchase micro mesh gutter guards, do not buy plastic. The end result of steel guards will be well worth the extra initial cost. Although, depending on the location of your home and surrounding trees and shrubs, we often do not recommend any gutter guards at all. This is because gutter guards often provide a false sense of security. Due to close proximity to trees and shrubs, gutter guards can actually cause more harm than good. 

3) Mother Nature + Mesh Gutter Guards = 

This last problem is not caused directly by the micro mesh guard itself, but it needs to be mentioned. Rodents and small animals love your gutter. There’s usually a good source, water and more goodies for them. Although mesh gutter guards could potentially block these creatures, other issues can arise. 

• Rodents can in fact eat through the mesh. 
• A bird can land on the mesh and damage it. 
• Weather conditions can shorten the lifespan of guards. 
• Damage caused by rocks or other items. 

Don’t forget, these guards will be exposed to all the elements and weather risks as anything else. Even if installed perfectly, your guards will fail. Oftentimes, these failures are not noticed in a timely fashion which can cause serious house repairs. 

Wondering how to prepare your gutters for winter? Check out this previous article covering How to Prepare Your Gutters.

Monmouth County Gutter Cleaning

Lastly, you should consider the cost of gutter guards, and whether or not they really save you more money in the long run. The most important factor to remember is that gutter guards are not a solution to cleaning. They are merely helpful in not having to clean your gutters as often. You should still annually inspect your gutters and ensure the guards are still installed and working properly. Our certified technicians are trained in installing, repairing and inspecting gutter guards, along with gutter cleaning. Reach out now for your free instant estimate! 732-570-4923.