Posted: 10/18/2008 5:01:55 PM EDT
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I bought a box of Amerimax gutter guards today. They look like these, but on top they have a plastic screen to prevent smaller debries. I got those thinking it might prevent twigs and small leaves from some trees that are very close, but now I'm thinking that these may get dirty too quick or freeze too quick? Should I get the simple ones like shown on the link above or stick to the ones with the screen on top? Am I overthinking this? Thanks. 
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I've had the best luck with the solid ones with the vented edges. I've got a lot of oaks and the stringy flowers from them get caught in everything else. The only problem with the solid ones is that you have to cap the ends of the gutters between the guard and the gutter so birds won't build nests in the shelter you create. Small pieces of flashing works great, made into little triangle pieces. I put them up with rivets. I had to go up and clean out about 8 foot of nesting at each corner of the house a couple of months after installing the solid guards, but have not had to go up there since ( two years plus ) to clean. Just my opinion. Mine were bought at Home Depot and look like these. www.improvementscatalog.com/home/improvements/792912040-solid-gutter-covers.html |
| I have the same ones that the OP bought on my gutters right now. I have had mixed results with them so far, they seem to stop up easily with roof gravel, small sticks, bits of leaves etc. Also when it rains really hard the water jumps them, I don't know if it is just the way mine are set or what. Hopefully you will have better luck than I have! |
| I have "Gutter Topper" brand covers on mine. Been on for 6 years, and have never had any problems, nor have I had to clean them out. I have lots of big trees, and had to clean my gutters once or twice a week in the fall, and once or twice a month the rest of the year. They were very expensive, but definately worth it. |
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The orginal ones the OP posted will last 3 to 5 years. They will sag from the ice and snow. THe sun will make them brittle in 2 years. They require constant maintence. It would be easier to just clean your gutters out twice a year. we use these that we get from the local supply house. We will install 2 1/4" zip screws thru the front of the gutter screen into the gutter lip. Only down side is if you have pine needles. ebay linky |
Out of curiosity, what do those guards do in a heavy rain? |