The Basic Principle
All gutter guards work by separating water from debris. Water needs to enter the gutter; debris needs to stay out or be shed off. Different designs accomplish this in different ways:
Guard Types Explained
| Type | How It Works | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-Mesh | Fine stainless steel mesh allows water through while blocking all debris, including pine needles | Excellent |
| Screen | Larger holes let water through but also let small debris in | Fair |
| Reverse Curve | Uses surface tension to guide water into gutter while debris falls off | Good |
| Foam/Brush | Porous material lets water seep through while blocking debris | Poor |
Why Micro-Mesh Works Best
Micro-mesh guards use a simple but effective principle:
- ✓ Fine openings (50 microns) — Smaller than pine needle diameter
- ✓ Surface tension — Water sheets across mesh and drops through
- ✓ Angled installation — Debris slides off, doesn't accumulate
- ✓ No moving parts — Nothing to break or clog