Best Gutter Guards For Pine Needles
In this article I take a close look at what I’ve found to be the best gutter guards for those of us who have to deal with pine needles. Pine needles can completely clog your gutters in one season, so here’s the best way to keep them out and what to look for when you’re buying gutter guards for pine needles.
Your gutter system collects more than water. It also has a tendency to gather leaves and other debris into the gutter channels. This can cause issues ranging from overflow to clogs in your gutter spouts.
Gutter guards are designed to prevent materials from gathering in the gutter channels, keeping them working in optimal order. When it comes to pine needles, there are guards on the market that work well. Let’s take a closer look at some of these below.
The Best Gutter Guards For Pine Needles (Reviews)
1. A-M Aluminum Gutter Guard
This aluminum product comes in 50-foot length sections, making it easy to purchase for runs along your front and back of the house. The aluminum itself is covered against damage from rust and other water damage for the life of the product. That should increase customer trust and satisfaction with the use of the gutter guard.
With 380 holes per foot of gutter guard, water has plenty of places to flow into. The holes are small enough to prevent most leaves and needles from entering the gutter channel, with only the finest of roofing grit able to make it through. Mounting the product on both sides of the gutter prevents gaps on the sides that pine needles and other debris can slide past.
Pros
- The aluminum material used in the design is cover against rust and water damages by a lifetime warranty
- This gutter guard covers the channel completely and is difficult to spot from below as it connects to the inner walls
- There are plenty of holes spaced over the top of the guard to keep water running, even during heavier rains
Cons
- The aluminum body of this gutter guard does not offer the same tensile strength that a steel guard would
Take Away
This product is an option for homeowners looking for an affordable guard that will be nearly impossible to spot from the ground.
2. Raptor Gutter Guard
Raptor uses stainless steel that can withstand the elements as well as water. This mesh guard should not show signs of rust or warp over time, and it is covered by a lengthy warranty.
The fine mesh will cover a five-inch wide system, which is a popular size in many regions in North America that receive average or above precipitation. That mesh is also small enough to block pine needles, something that normal mesh coverings struggle with.
Pros
- This gutter guard is covered by a 25-year warranty that will last the lifetime of your gutter system
- A fine mesh works to keep leaves, pine needles, and even roofing grit from entering the gutter channel
- The steel used for making the gutter guard will not rust or warp during use
Cons
- Due to the flat profile of this product, water and debris can build up on the top of the guard unless a small pitch is placed on it during installation
Take Away
Homeowners needing maximum protection may want to consider using this product. The fine mesh used as a cover will keep out almost all materials that cause blockage in your gutter valleys.
3. E-Z Gutter Guard
This product is easy to place and install along with your gutter runs. It does not use metal fasteners and actually clips into place along the edges of the gutter. That provides easy access to your gutters but also keeps the guard in place, even when rough weather occurs.
Instead of using a mesh or metal sheet with drilled holes, this design makes use of louvers that are placed in a reverse position. That allows water to move down through the openings without resistance while creating a natural shape that prevents debris like pine needles from entering your gutters channels.
A natural angle stands from the middle of the covering and tapers towards the edges of the gutters. That allows gravity to pulls water and debris away from the louvers and towards the edge of the system.
Pros
- This product snaps into place and does not require metal fasteners to stay in place
- A reverse louver design allows water to flow into the channel with ease while forming a barrier against debris
- Each edge provides homeowners with an overlap of .75-inches, giving plenty of material to grab onto the gutter
Cons
- This gutter guard will not work with wide gutter systems that are found in regions with a lot of annual percipitation
Take Away
This design provides a profile that encourages lots of water flow while preventing materials from seeping into the gutter valley. The grated holes are designed to prevent things like pine needles from falling into the holes or clogging them.
What To Look For In A Gutter Guard That Keeps Pine Needles Out (Buyers Guide)
For a gutter guard to work effectively against pine needles, it needs to provide a barrier that the needles can not slip through. Most standard meshes will not block this type of debris. That makes fine mesh and sheets with smaller openings along the surface your best options for drainage designs.
In order for the needles and other debris, to move off of the guard surface you want the product to provide a pitch. The angle does not need to be severe, just high enough to allow needles and other debris to slide with the water from your roof runoff.
Aluminum metals and other soft building materials can wear out quickly, so the best option is usually some type of steel. This is especially true with the mesh itself as it will be exposed to potential water damage more than other components. A solid warranty will help to keep your purchase covered as well as your gutters.
Finally, the method of attachment can be a feature to look at. Products that clip into place will not require fasteners and can be moved easily. Some systems will require screws, and some may need to be wedged under roof shingles.
Final Thoughts
Pine needles and other debris do not need to become a barrier to adequate water flow in your gutter system. A good gutter guard will keep the channels free from debris and allow water to flow freely across runs and down the spouts.
Select a product that is easy to work with and to put into place. If you can, avoid complicated methods or those that may void your roof warranty. Keep it simple.
To keep materials such as pine needles out of your gutters, the guard should provide more coverage than normal mesh is able to provide. Look for fine mesh or for metal coverings that offer plenty of holes that provide water flow while blocking debris the size of needles.
Look for items that have a solid warranty. These often use materials that can hold up to the elements and are protected against water damage.
