Homeowners have three main types of gutter guards from which to choose - screens, reverse curve, and mesh. All three aim to block debris from falling into the gutter while allowing water to flow freely. Each type of gutter guard has its advantages and disadvantages. Micro-mesh guards are obviously in the mesh category, and many homeowners choose them.

Find out if micro-mesh gutter guards would benefit your house.

Functionality of Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards

Micro-mesh gutter guards consist of two strips of metal or plastic with the mesh attached between them. Some gutter guards feature a metal or plastic perforated screen over the top. The mesh itself is typically stainless steel.

Contractors can install micro-mesh gutter guards in different ways. The simplest method is to slide one edge of the guard under the first row of shingles. Another is to bend the back strip so it either fits against the fascia or goes over the back edge of the gutter. They can also use a flange to attach the guard directly to the fascia in the back and screws to secure it to the gutter in front.

The mesh prevents debris from entering the gutter, whether it's being washed off the roof or coming from nearby trees. Fine-mesh guards feature holes so small that not even pine needles can get through. The water does flow through into the gutter.

Disadvantages of Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards

The main disadvantage of micro-mesh gutter guards is cost. They're significantly more expensive than some other types of systems. If you buy a lower-grade option, though, the mesh can become damaged by ice in the wintertime.

Micro-mesh gutter guards are difficult to modify to different gutter shapes, and they're overall a little tricky to install.

Finally, while debris generally can't get through the mesh, some smaller bits like sand or roof granules can get lodged in the holes. You'll have to hose or brush off the guard system periodically.

Advantages of Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards

The main advantage of fine-mesh gutter guards is they prevent all but the finest of particles through to your gutter. Some even stop pollen. As a result, they keep your gutters exceptionally clean. What's more, they're almost guaranteed to prevent pests from taking up residence in your gutters as long as the guards are intact.

While the lower-end models might be flimsy, the metal-framed guards with stainless steel mesh are extremely durable. Indeed, they can even stand up to ice, strong winds, and branches. What's more, stainless steel is non-corrosive, so these guards are low-maintenance and long-lasting.

Concerning installation, if you choose to slide the guards under the first row of shingles and lay them flat over the gutter, they're easy to install. If you choose one of the more complicated methods, they do add strength to your gutter. Likewise, they can work with any roofing system.

Finally, though they have a high price tag compared to simple screens, they're comparable to reverse-curve guards. What's more, fine-mesh guards typically come with generous warranties.

Comparison of Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards to Other Systems

Screen guards are a budget option. They can be a simple screen that you fold into your gutters, or they can come with a frame that you lay on top and slide under the shingles. They can also be a metal strip with perforations. They're mainly advertised as leaf guards because most other kinds of debris can get through their relatively large holes. They get clogged more easily than fine mesh.

Reverse-curve gutter guards are a lightweight metal or plastic that's molded to cover your gutter. The surface dips in the center, which is where the water flows into the gutter. The surface keeps debris out. These guards are more difficult to install than fine-mesh guards and can be more expensive. They are exceptionally long-lasting, though.

Any gutter guards represent an improvement over exposed gutters. If you're ready to end the hassle of cleaning your gutters, contact Rain-Flow Systems, LLC, to explore your gutter guard options.