What Are Mesh Gutter Guards?
Mesh gutter guards keep leaves and debris out of your gutters so you don’t have to clean them as often. Read this guide to see if they’re right for you.
Mesh gutter guards have finer holes than conventional screen gutter guards and keep out more dirt, plant debris, and muck. This prevents clogs and blockages from forming in your gutters while still promoting water flow. Homeowners who want a low-maintenance alternative to cleaning out their gutters should consider mesh gutter protection systems. Our guide below takes a closer look at the benefits, drawbacks, and installation requirements of mesh gutter guards.
How Do Mesh Gutter Guards Work?
Mesh gutter guards are thin strips of plastic or metal mesh that sit on top of the open side of residential gutters. They create a surface that only water and very fine particulate matter can get through, so leaves, dirt and muck don’t clog the gutters or downspouts underneath.
Homeowners can easily maintain these gutter guards by cleaning away any buildup or muck that develops on top of the mesh. Mesh gutter guards can last for several years, and you can install them easily with fasteners or adhesives.
Types of Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh gutter guards come in a wide array of widths, colors, and fastening mechanisms to suit the needs of different gutter systems. You should choose the material that’s most effective for your property and a style that complements your house’s aesthetic.
Consider factors such as your local weather, temperature, rainfall, and budget, as well as what type and size of debris typically falls into your gutters.
Aluminum Mesh Gutter Guards
Aluminum mesh is long-lasting, lightweight, corrosion-resistant and can withstand exposure to rain and chemicals. It’s available in a wide array of mesh gauges, but the standard size is approximately 30 holes per square inch. You can paint aluminum mesh in standard gutter colors such as white, beige, or gray, or you can find custom colors. Aluminum mesh costs more than plastic.
Plastic Mesh Gutter Guards
Plastic mesh is cost-effective as a gutter guard material, but it will eventually break down due to wear, sunlight exposure, and damage. It’s an ideal option for homes with pine trees that drop needles instead of broad leaves.
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Micro-mesh gutter guards have extremely fine holes that block pine needles, bugs, and fine particles of dirt. Stainless steel micro-mesh can have 50 holes per square inch to block virtually all debris. These gutter guards are more expensive per linear foot than other types.
Mesh Gutter Guard Installation
Mesh gutter guards must cover the top of the gutter at the correct angle for them to function correctly and for debris to slide off. You can install them yourself or hire a professional, depending on your level of home improvement experience.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
Installing mesh gutter guards is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project. First, measure the strips and cut them to the correct length. Next, attach the guards with either snap-on fasteners or screws, or you might need to install them under the bottom row of your roof’s shingles.
Installing mesh gutter guards yourself is a great way to save money on the project. But if you have a very complex product or you aren’t familiar with home improvement tasks, you should hire a professional so that you don’t accidentally invalidate your roof’s warranty.
Tools Needed for DIY Installation
You won’t need specialty tools for DIY installation, but you will need the following basic supplies:
- Gutter sealant or screws
- Ladder
- Measuring tape
- Snips or hacksaw
- Work gloves
Pros and Cons of Mesh Gutter Guards
Compare reverse-curve gutter guards to other popular gutter guard options before making your choice. Read the main differences between reverse-curve gutter guards and brush, mesh, screen, and foam gutter guards below.
Pros
The advantages of mesh gutter guards include the following:
- Block pests: Guards will stop bugs and other pests from entering your gutters and nesting.
- Are low maintenance: The only gutter maintenance tasks you must occasionally perform are visually inspecting gutters and rinsing any debris that collects on the mesh’s surface.
- Prevent clogs and overflow: Mesh gutter guards stop leaves and muck from getting into your gutters. This can prevent water damage from backups.
- Prolong gutter life: You can extend the life of your gutters by reducing buildup, corrosion, and pest damage.
Cons
The disadvantages of installing mesh gutter guards include the following:
- Higher upfront cost: Mesh gutter guards are more expensive than alternative models, and aluminum mesh usually costs more than plastic mesh.
- May not work well with heavy debris: Heavy debris can bend or warp plastic mesh or aluminum mesh if the guard doesn’t have proper supports.
- May void some roof warranties: Some mesh guards fit under your bottom roofing shingles, which may invalidate your roof warranty.
- Can clog over time: Leaves, needles, and dirt can get caught in mesh holes over time, so it’s important to monitor them.
Mesh Gutter Guards vs. Other Gutter Guard Types
Other popular types of gutter guards include brush guards, screens, reverse-curve gutter guards, and foam gutter guards. See how they compare to mesh gutter guards below.
Brush Gutter Guards
Brush guards look like large bottle brushes. They sit inside your gutters and fill up the interior so leaves and twigs can’t build up inside. They are easy to install and less expensive than other types of gutter guards. However, brush guards are less effective. Leaves and twigs can get caught in the brush, and dirt will get past the bristles.
Screen Gutter Guards
Screen gutter guards are very similar to mesh guards but feature larger holes across the surface. They filter out less material, and small debris like dirt and pine needles can get through.
Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards
Reverse-curve gutter guards are solid surfaces that sit under the bottom of your roofing shingles. They use water tension to guide water around an extended lip and into the gutter below while debris slides off the surface toward the ground. Reverse-curve guards are more expensive than other gutter guard types, typically require professional installation, and may invalidate your roof warranty.
Foam Gutter Guards
Foam gutter guards are sheets or blocks of foam that sit inside your gutters. The foam is water-permeable, so most dirt and debris won’t be able to get through. This can be an effective option in low- and moderate-rain environments but isn’t ideal for areas where heavy rain or downpours are common. Foam guards break down faster in the elements than more rugged, metal material options such as gutter screens and meshes.
Maintenance of Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh gutter guards are low-maintenance, but you must still visually inspect them every season to make sure debris hasn’t built up. Clean away any buildup as soon as you notice it, as this can prevent water from flowing into the gutters. You should also inspect the gutter covers and gutters for damage at least once a year.
Our Conclusion
Mesh gutter guards are a popular, low-maintenance solution for protecting your gutters and minimizing gutter cleaning tasks. Screens, mesh, and micro-mesh can all be incredibly effective depending on your region’s weather and the types of trees in your yard. The best gutter guard system for you is the one that is most likely to keep debris out of your gutters.
FAQ About Mesh Gutter Guards
Do mesh gutter guards get clogged?
Mesh gutter guards can get clogged and develop buildup or film on top. Clean them with a garden hose or brush.
How long do mesh gutter guards last?
With proper maintenance, mesh gutter guards can last more than a decade, and micro-mesh guards last approximately 20 years.
How does gutter mesh work?
Gutter mesh works by creating a barrier across the top of your gutters. This barrier blocks leaves, twigs, and other debris. The finer the mesh, the more it can block, and the more it will provide reliable gutter protection.
What is the difference between micro-mesh and standard mesh gutter guards?
The difference between micro-mesh and standard mesh gutter guards is the size and number of holes. Micro-mesh products have much finer holes, so less debris can get through.
Can you install mesh gutter guards yourself?
You can install mesh gutter guards yourself. Screw-in and snap-on mesh guards are DIY-friendly and only require a few general tools.
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