Here in Virginia we have to contend with POLLEN which mixes with all matter and form of debris, forming a glue-like substance that if it doesn't block the penetrations in a gutter-guard, ultimately does so in the gutter, forming a damn/blockage at the downspout opening. Let's just say I have my reservations about ALL GUTTER GUARDS. The one I have now is a concave screen that works great in the fall but Spring is another matter. That said, I and friendS who have it feel it is the best thing going...though certainly NOT PERFECT.

Tim,
Read your latest test on several gutter guards. My question is about the 1st one in your test, which worked pretty good, which was like a micro-mesh screen: the gutters are pretty much level, so how do you mount the "guard" on the same angle as the roof? And, I guess this would be about most all gutter guards, esp. the micro-mesh one: in a down pour, how much water actually gets into the gutter? Looks like most of it would run right over the "guard", and pour onto the ground. Just curious!
Thanks, Mike

Tim, It appears that in your test that the manufacturer took special care to lower the gutters before they installed the micro screen gutter guard. Did you lower the gutters on the other micro screen as well? If not would it proform just as well under those conditions? In your video it looks like the area where the screen was installed more at an angle that it too was clean of debris? Also, according to your article it was on your home approximately 3 times as long as the new micro screen. I'm curious why you didn't test them both in the same way and what the outcome would have been. Thanks, Dave

in your tests you mention debris from oak trees, how about pine needles? I have nothing but pine trees over the gutters.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the new Micro Screen Gutter Guard. I did however go the the Better Business Bureau website (bbb.org) and was surprised to see so many consumer complaints. Ohio and Wisconsin have the most complaints with 48, the other four dealers had 5 complaints. It doesn't look like it works as well for everyone as it dit for you.

I know you agree that it's a good practice to check the local Better Business Bureau before you make any business decision.

Another great website is the Consumer Protection Agency. That website is www.USCP.org. It only cost $30.00 to have a report processed.

Tim,

I just got finished watching your video on gutter guards and am a bit taken aback by what appears to be your total lack of objectivity. It appears that MasterShield did so well for reasons other than how well it may or may not be engineered. First, you mention that it was installed at an angle that matched the angle of the roof shingles. Isn't it plausible that the other micromesh system would have worked just as well if it too had been installed at the same angle? An objective test would have assured that this was the case. Thus, it may not be the other systems weakness but instead an environmental variable that you failed to control for; proper angle of installation. Perhaps you should do this test again and make sure all of the conditions are the same. Second, you mention that the second gutter guard was not as good as the first because some debris was resting on the gutter guard for months. Isn't the point of the guard to keep debris out of the gutter? It seems like this one did just fine when you consider that the debris is not getting into the gutter. Another problem with your "test" is that you say your concern is with what might happen year after year after year. This is another subjective point that serves to discredit your "test". It is just as likely that the debris will not build up year after year as it is that it will build up. the only way to know this is to test the systems year after year after year. Speculation in the direction that "proves" the outcome you are clearly leaning towards is hardly proof at all. Finally, with regard to the third gutter guard system that looks like a giant pipe cleaner. You start the review of this product with the comment that it "failed miserably". How can a product "fail miserably" when the conditions of the test are not uniform and controlled? Also, how can a product "fail miserably" when you admit that the water will still flow through the gutter guard? Again, by definition this gutter guard works because it guards the gutter from getting clogged in a manner that prevents water from flowing through the gutter. Yet another reason to look skeptically upon your "objective test" and its outcome is that the final system you test appears to be in a totally different location at your test site than the other tow that fared better. An objective test requires that all variables to be tested are done so in the exact same conditions. Ergo, the three systems should have been either lined up along a straight gutter course or all placed in the same precarious situation that the third system found itself in on that roof. Watching that video carefully suggests that the third system could not possibly have fared any better than it did due to the experimental conditions you yourself set up. A simple question makes my point: why were the other two systems tested on straight gutter lengths yet the third one was tested at an intersection of two perpendicular and uneven gutter runs?
Tim, I often come to your site to help me become better at what I do and to improve the services I provide my hard earned clients. However, this latest video appears to be a "bag job" for Mastershield that had a predetermined outcome at worst or a stacking of the deck against the others at best. You can do better and I respectfully ask that you redo this test using the accepted methodology of assuring objectivity. No dog in this fight, just trying to get an honest answer about the products you tested.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Adam Roy

Mike,
When the gutter's front lip is in the same plane as the roof, you can achieve this. It is usually possible with a gutter or fascia board that is a 1x6 and a roof pitch not greater than 6:12.

I thought the same when I first saw the guard product thinking it would shoot water off. It takes every bit of water that Mother Nature can deliver. I tested it myself with a garden hose at 80 psi. It took all the water with the hose just up the roof about 16 inches.

Dave,
Interesting question. Both of the manufacturers insisted on installing the products themselves. I had no arguments. The first product installed went through two springs. Both springs there was debris buildup.

I discovered the second product months after the first one and allowed that manufacturer to do the install. They knew the first product was on the same roof and had no qualms. It was there standard procedure to install their product in the same plane. It appears that was very important as that is why, in my opinion, there was no debris at the end of the summer.

Keep in mind that each of the manufacturers approved the test location, the methodolgy of the test and *they* did the install. No one can claim any bias in this test whatsoever, although I am convinced many of the comments I am answering are from people who have a dog in this fight.

Russell,

I am convinced the products will never allow pine needles into your gutters. No way no how.

Jerry,
Welcome to the real world. I could type for hours and hours about some of my past clients. There are people in this world that would call the BBB if I came to their house and installed crown molding for free.

What's more, no company that has dealers is complaint free. There is no such thing as perfection. In fact, I am quite certain you yourself have made mistakes in your work and your personal life. We all do. So for you to bring this up insinuating that one particular manufacturer is bad because of some BBB complaints rings a little hollow for those that think it through.

Furthermore, the product may be superior, but installed incorrectly. To get to the bottom of this, you and I would need to really investigate the complaints and visit the job sites. Do you have that kind of time? I know I don't.

Quick question: Do you work for a gutter-guard company or own a dealership?