Gutter Guard Test Results Video

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?

Adam,
With all due respect, you *must* have a dog in this fight. You know why I say this and why any consumer who reads your comment would agree? Because your lengthy comment is so passionate.

You need to identify yourself. I had this debate with you on my YouTube channel. Your passion for these test results is deeper than the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean.

You came here to grandstand in addition to taking the stage at my YouTube channel. That is fine. But I will tell all here the same thing I told you there:

1. The test was accurate and unbiased. EACH manufacturer approved it.

2. If you feel the test is not accurate, then do one yourself. You have the passion, you have a YouTube channel and if you don't own a video camera, then go rent or borrow one.

3. For you to have *any* credibility in this debate, you must identify yourself. I am totally in the open, the evidence is accurate and the data speaks for itself.

4. Call the owners of the two micromesh gutter-guard manufacturers. Get written statements from both. You seem to be interested in that. If they felt the tests were inaccurate, *why* haven't they stepped into the debate here?

In closing, you need to tell the truth. You need to really come clean and tell everyone why you are so upset. It surely has to do with money. No one else would ever invest the time you have in this topic.

Tim,

Thanks for responding to my concerns.

My point with the BBB is to provide the consumer with additional facts so they can make an informed and wise decison. I know you support the BBB because you display the BBB logo so proudly on your website.

Your comparison between the different Gutter Guards is hardly scientific. They are all in different locations, installed in different ways, and are subject to different conditions. What worked so well for you may not work well for others. Again a quick check of the BBB and the Consumer Protection Agency can give the consumer a more rounded picture with which to make a decision.

As far as making mistakes is concerned, everyone does, I recognize that. But when a company has a multitude of complaints with the BBB it should cause you to wonder. Are you suggesting that it's a waste of time to check it?

To answer your question: I'm in the Seamless Gutter Business and have sold and installed a variety of different Gutter Guards. Simple screens, reverse curves, micro mesh systems, etc. As a result, I agree with a previous article you wrote that stated correctly that all Gutter Guards require some kind of Maintenance.

I'm sending you a few pictures of MasterShield that has been on a home for two years. It was installed at the same pitch as the roof and the debris is covering the screen. The only way it's coming off is if the homeowner uses the brush that MasterShield gave them. By the way, MasterShield gave them a brush on a pole and told them it would be necessary to brush off debris periodically. It's also stated in their warranty that the consumer will need to clean the screen periodically.

You may want to post these pictures on your website so your readers have all the facts.

Thanks...

Jerry,

Boy are my fingers tired from typing the same thing over and over and over.......

The test I ran was scientific. The guards were put on the same roof under the same tree. Each manufacturer *approved* the test. If you have a beef or complaint with the test specification, *please* take that up with *them*. They also did the installation. I was an innocent bystander and observer.

You can say the test was unscientific, but you forget about the randomness of Nature. You could have put the guards on the same side alternating years, but then what about debris production, rain amounts, intensity of rain, etc.

Once again, if you have issues with the test, then I urge - actually beg - you to perform your own test and then post the results for the world to see.

As for the BBB complaints, we already discussed that. The complaints most likely had to do with the installation, not the actual product. If you want to debate the BBB complaints, then do as I ask. Go get all of the data. Go interview the homeowners on tape, interview the installer and post these videos for the world to see. Just like on FoxNews, report all the facts and let the public decide.

I don't believe either of the manufacturers make a written claim that debris will NEVER accumulate on the gutter guard. I have not seen that claim in any written material produced by them. So I am really confused why you are clouding that issue with the brushes.

The manufacturer of the product that had debris on in in my test sent me three telescopic poles and three brushes to use to get debris off his product. So he must have had known debris was going to collect.

I was looking for a product - just like many homeowners - that requires no or little maintenance. My test directed me to what I believe is the one. I wanted a solution to my problem, not some product that comes with a service contract or periodic cleaning.

Will debris ever collect on my roof? Sure that is possible, but I believe I have a fantastic product. You seem to disagree, but I maintain that this is the exact reason there are black, white, red, blue and green cars out there. People like different things. You seem to like a different product. That is fine. You put on your house or your jobs what *you* think is best.

Remember, what I was looking for was a product that would NOT allow anything but water into the gutter. Both of the micromesh products passed that test. Is it possible for debris to build up on both? Sure. Did it happen in my test? Yes it did, but over a period of months the debris washed off the one product completely while some remained on the one. No one can argue with those video results.

I made a *personal* decision based upon what I saw. I have to buy products for my home just like anyone else. After ten years of testing, I believe I have discovered a superior product.

If you don't agree with my decision, I have no issues with that. As I tell my kids, life is full of decisions - make good ones.

I suggest you channel all this energy and passion you seem to have about this topic and create the world's best website about gutter guards. You might think about partnering with the American Society of Testing Materials and develop an approved testing standard. Then go build a building that meets the specification. Finally, go buy and install every gutter guard out there, video tape the installs, and tape the progression of the tests.

Set up a website that we can all visit to see your scientific test results. It will be interesting at the end of the day to see what products you feel perform the best.

My only complaint is this. They won't return my emails or phone calls. I really wanted to get a guard in by fall but it doesn't look like that is going to happen. Have you heard that they cannot keep up with demand or something?

Hi Tim,
It's me again! Thanks for the response. Still curious about installing the micro-mesh gutter guard at the same angle as the roof. My gutter is right under the edge of the roof,which seems like that's where most of them are, so in this case will the gutters have to be moved down an inch or so, to get them to line up with slope of the roof? Is this angle something the installer of the gutter-guard would address when installing it?
Thanks again, Mike

Ryan,
That is odd. Keep trying. Call again or go to the website and fill out the form.

Mike,
You need to ask that question when you meet with the installer. What's more you need to put in the contract - in writing - that the product will be installed per the specifications as called for by the manufacturer. You should do this with any product no matter if it is a gutter guard, a door, a window, appliance, etc.

Before reading your Gutter Guards Tests, I was about to go all out and purchase the 'pipe cleaner guard' product. But your video confirmed my worse doubts about the product and now I shall delay my purchase to find out all about your most successful product, Micro-mesh?

Tim,
I was glad to see new info on this topic. About 6 months ago (in part due to your site) I chose the Gutter Glove product, have completed installing about 2/3 of my house. So far I have been very happy with it, but will want to see it for an entire year. Two comments about the angle of installation.

First, my guess is that the angle of installation is an important factor in how much debris falls off the cover. I can't comment on other products, but the angle on this product is predetermined by the combination of the roof line and gutter location. My roof is fairly steep, so I'm hopeful that all will eventually fall/blow off.

Second, I'm not even sure how important it is that it does all fall off. If it doesn't create a dam situation and allows the water to drain, does it even matter? Also, I believe the company notes that you can brush off this debris from below with a long handles brush.

I've already installed the Gutter Glove product, so my only "dog in the fight" is that I hope like heck that it works. And so far it seems to.

Hi i'm very interested in having this product installed..Guttereleaf..Have U tested or heard any feed back about it,,thanks for ALL your help,,sincerely Mary....www.guttereleaf.com

Tim,

How are the "guards" holding up. I am about to pull the trigger on new gutters and "protective" devices.

If you lower the gutter to mount the gutter guard at the same slope of the roof are you also exposing your facia to water and rot?

Installed MasterShield on entire house. Had to replace gutters along one patio area due to rotting fascia board. On two areas where the valleys are there is pine needle buildup of approximately 1/2 cup to 1 cup everyday. the water shoots over this area in a heavy rain. System works exceptionally well elsewhere. Installer said the flashing was not installed correctly by roofer. They have been here multiple times and we cannot seem to get it right. The reason for install was, you guessed it, pine needles and maple, oak trees, you name it. in a very heavy brief rain storm it came off the new gutter section at the valley like a hose. You would assume that this gutter section especially would be at the "right angle." Stay tuned.

Have had LeafFilter for 2 years. Never had a problem. I've checked it out several times and I cannot even see fine silt in the tray. I believe in their product and I can see why they are able to give a money back no clog guarantee. I have never seen any other product out there give a guarantee like that, so I thought I had nothing to lose. To my delight I don't have to clean stinky gutters and risk life and limb doing it

we purchased MasterShield for our home. We live downhill from loads of pine trees and oaks, maples, pretty much you name it. Needless to say I cleaned out the gutters every three weeks! We have wide metal valleys that presented problems for the product - it couldn't handle that much water. We installed deflectors and I'm happy to say the product is fabulous. It has performed in a couple 5-inch rainstorms. We do have to clean out the deflectors, but on a one-story house, it just involves running around with an old dustmop. If you have a gas-powered leaf blower, that would work even better. VERY HAPPY!