Gutter covers - advice needed

[BoxMN]

So I know this has been hashed over before, but for some reason I can't get search working...

My Mom (73) has an old house in St. Paul. Gutters all around, and has the cheapo self install covers on it now. I never liked them, but sort of worked. Well, gutters plugged in all this rain, and basement wetness ensued...

She is going to get a "Leaf Guard" or other brand, good stuff, and I only know a bit about Leaf Guard. I know there is TruLeaf (?) and Gutter Helmet, and others.

She is not rich, but this is more about quality and not having problems than it is about cost. Small house, two opposite 16' runs (total width about 24') about 5/12 pitch), one ~45' run (probably 6/12 or 7/12), and the last is up on dormer, so not needed there. About 80' total max linear feet.

She does have HUGE pine trees in backyard, and that is what was clogging her existing gutters. Wondering if any product is better for pines needles. So my question basically is:

Is Leaf Guard her best bet, and should we look at 4" gutters with Leaf Guard, or 3"? or maybe it only comes in one size...

Thanks all for any advice. My poor Mom is nervous about the water problem, doesn't want us on the roof anymore, hates getting estimates, had one sales-person bad mouthing a competing product to her, and I told her I would take care of it for her.

[leech~~]

I bought those cheap plastic screen panels at Menards for like $1.50 each which slide under the shingles and clip onto the edge of the gutter. They have been on now for about 4 years and I have not had to clean out yet!

[echotrail]

I've had the Leaf Guard gutters on my home for about 10 years. The house is right next to 3 white pines and 3 silver maples are nearby. I used to clean gutters at least 3 times a year and would have to deal with ice build up in the winter. I haven't touched them since the Leaf Guards were installed. I don't have one complaint about them and don't regret spending the money for them.

I'm not aware if Leaf Guards come in more than one size. The next to nothing debris that does get into them washes right out. I find that a few hornets like to nest inside the run that's on the south side of the house.

[fishersofmen]

My gutters are constantly getting clogged too. Have any of you tried the foam inserts? I know menards has them. Was thinking of going that route.

[jmg]

Hi BOXMN. We took the plunge and bought Leafguard Guttering in 2 steps. Expensive, yes, but it is like what they say about good outdoor equipment in that you only cry once--when you buy it. We love the stuff and have not had a wet basement since the first half was put on. I was really impressed with the company(Lindus),in that the price that was quoted WAS the final price, unlike some of the other companies we had received bids from(much more final cost for less material). No high pressure sales pitch, either. Never have had to clean it and it still looks good. Only flaw is that it seems to promote ice on the edges, but I think they have a heat product out now to address that issue, which Gutter Helmet advertises, too. Good luck with your decision. Lot of money for something that just hangs around, BUT...

[delcecchi]

I think the one issue with the ones that are solid on top and depend on the surface tension for the water to go in the gutter is that if it is really raining hard the water shoots over the edge and doesn't go into the gutter. But the upside is they work with pine needles which the screen types don't always.

I have screens and they work fine, but the trees are maples not pines.

[leech~~]

I think the one issue with the ones that are solid on top and depend on the surface tension for the water to go in the gutter is that if it is really raining hard the water shoots over the edge and doesn't go into the gutter. But the upside is they work with pine needles which the screen types don't always.

I have screens and they work fine, but the trees are maples not pines.

That is what I had seen on them as well. On a heavy rain it just keeps going right over them. My Father-in-law has the Leaf Guards and the bees love them. He had 5 nests built in them all round his house up in Brainerd and the person mowing for them ended up going to the hospital because they got nailed by a swarm out of one of the nests.

[BoxMN]

Thanks all!

[K_Josh87]

an economic version that works well is WaterFall Gutter guard... should be available through lumberyards... its somewhat of a vinyl version of leafaway, or gutter helmet...

[lindy rig]

Anyone use Hallett Gutter Covers?

[BoxMN]

So she ended up going with Leafguard. She had some good downspouts installed in the old ones a couple years ago, so the estimator said they looked great and were what they have installed, so that saved her $$$, he figured roughly 1/3 of the cost - she told him what she paid and he said it was good deal, that their cost would have been higher - a friend of friend did those for her.

Anyway, the sales pitch was low key, very nice, answered my questions; i.e. asked about the water flowing over them in heavy rain, and he said that with her pitch and no valleys that that should never happen, we shall see

Her neighbor is also doing it, so they each got a $200 credit since one crew will do both on same date(s), saving some expense.

I will report back after installation and some rains, but my Mom is very happy with the guy and company (Lindus) so that is half the battle, haha! Thanks all for info.