Gutter guards sit on top of your gutters and block leaves, twigs, and debris from getting inside. Water still flows through, but the big stuff stays out. That means **fewer clogs**, **less overflow**, and you're not climbing a ladder every few weeks to scoop out wet leaves.

They don't eliminate maintenance completely—you'll still need to check things after heavy storms or during peak leaf drop—but they **cut down on how often** you're dealing with clogged gutters. For homes surrounded by trees or properties that get hit hard by seasonal storms, that difference adds up.

Gutter guards work best when paired with seamless gutters—the type with a flat back and decorative front that you see on most homes (called **K-style**). The smooth interior and properly pitched runs mean water moves efficiently, and the guards keep the system clear. We've installed them on properties across **Canton, Ann Arbor, and Toledo** for over 25 years in similar climates, and the pattern is consistent: homeowners who add guards spend less time on gutter maintenance and see fewer foundation issues from overflow.

These use a fine screen—sometimes as tight as a window screen—that sits over the gutter opening. Water passes through the tiny holes, but leaves, twigs, and even small debris like seeds stay on top.

What they do well: Micro-mesh stops almost everything except roof grit and very fine particles. You get strong debris resistance without blocking water flow.

What to know: Professional installation is common because they need to fit tightly against the gutter and under the shingles. If they're not aligned correctly, water can shoot over the edge instead of flowing into the gutter. We see this style requested most often in neighborhoods with heavy oak or maple coverage—places where leaves pile up fast.

Screen Guards

Step 2: Fabricate or Confirm Seamless K-Style Runs