Why Gutter Foam Inserts Fail

How foam inserts work, and why they stop working

• They trap what they're meant to block. Seeds, pine needles and grit lodge in the foam instead of sliding off.
• Things grow in them. Trapped organic matter holds moisture, and seedlings take root.
• They break down. Sun, freeze-thaw cycles and moisture make foam crumble over time.
• They slow the water. A clogged insert lets rain run over the top and off the edge.

Brush inserts have the same problem

Brush guards sit in the gutter like a giant pipe cleaner. Leaves and needles tangle in the bristles, and the only way to clean them is to pull the whole brush out.

What to use instead

Fine micro-mesh guards cover the gutter instead of filling it. Water passes straight through the mesh, and debris stays on top where it dries and blows off. The All Mesh Pro stainless mesh guards we install carry a no-clog performance guarantee. Compare every type in the best gutter guards.