even with mesh covers, I still find those little “helicopter” seeds and bits of debris sneaking in.
Funny you mention that—I've got a rental with pines nearby, and the needles seem to slip through every kind of guard I've tried. I actually had a downspout clog mid-winter once, which turned into an ice dam problem. Ever had issues with ice or water backing up because of gutter buildup? Curious if that's more common with certain types of trees or just bad luck.
I actually had a downspout clog mid-winter once, which turned into an ice dam problem.
That sounds like a headache. I’ve had a similar thing happen—maple seeds and pine needles are relentless, no matter what covers you use. It does seem like certain trees just make it worse. I wonder if it’s worth trying those foam inserts? They’re cheaper than some guards, but I’ve heard mixed things. At least you caught the ice dam before it did serious damage. Sometimes it feels like gutter cleaning is just part of the deal if you want to avoid bigger repair bills down the line.
I’ve tried those foam inserts and honestly, they just turned into a soggy mess after a couple seasons—ended up trapping more junk than they blocked. If you’ve got a lot of trees, nothing beats just getting up there twice a year. It’s a pain, but cheaper than water damage.
Yeah, those foam inserts were a total letdown for me too. I thought they'd be a set-it-and-forget-it solution, but nope—just a mushy leaf magnet after one fall season. I’ve got some massive maples nearby, so twice a year is about right... though I always wish it was less. At least it’s a good excuse to admire the roofline while you’re up there, right?
At least it’s a good excuse to admire the roofline while you’re up there, right?
That’s one way to look at it, ha. I hear you on the foam inserts—tried them once, never again. With all those maples, twice a year is honestly doing pretty well. I’ve got oaks and they’re just as relentless. It’s a hassle, but at least you know your gutters are actually working. Beats dealing with water damage down the line...
