What is MicroScreen Gutter Guard made from?
MicroScreen Gutter Guard is made from a single piece of heavy-gauge, roll formed aluminum with surgical-grade stainless steel screen that is integrated into the aluminum frame during the manufacturing process. Single-piece aluminum creates structural rigidity that is critical keeping the gutter guards working under heavy loads from ice, snow, falling branches and wet debris. The surgical grade stainless steel is heavy duty so that it will maintain its shape, withstand falling twigs, debris, and won’t rust or deteriorate over time.
How does MicroScreen work?
MicroScreen works using the physical principle called Capillary Action, that when liquid comes in contact with porous material, it creates a draw. In this case, the water molecules adhere to the tiny openings in the stainless steel micromesh screen, and water is drawn through the louvered openings of the aluminum gutter guard frame into the gutter below.
How does MicroScreen compare to other micromesh gutter guards
Micromesh gutter guards entered the market around 2002 with the introduction of LeafFilter and Leaf Solution. Since then, several products have entered the market, including GutterGlove, Rhino Gutter Guard and GutterDome.
MicroScreen is on par with or exceeds the performance of other micro mesh gutter guard systems. Having sold LeafFilter, LeafSolution and Rhino, and having opted not to sell GutterGlove, MicroScreen is at the top of the pack in terms of performance, life expectancy, and price.
Aren’t all micromesh gutter guards the same?
NO. Every micromesh gutter guard on the market today has a different design. While the principle of how they work is the same, product design results if vastly different performance metrics.
For example, the original micromesh gutter guard, LeafFilter — named a Consumer Reports’ top pick in 2010 — is made of plastic (PVC) and does not stand-up well in heat. Plastic expands and contracts, warps, and prematurely ages from constant exposure to UV rays and changing temperatures. Aluminum, on the other hand, is dimensionally stable with a very long life expectancy, and excellent performance characteristics regardless of color, size and shape.
Will water actually flow through the tiny holes in the micro mesh screen?
YES. This is the most common question we receive from prospective customers. MicroScreen’s surgical grade stainless steel screen has thousands of holes per square inch, and the water flows right through the screen and into your gutters. We have tested the screen in extremely heavy rain, and it works every time — even if debris is on top of the gutter guards!
How does MicroScreen attach to my gutters?
We offer two versions of MicroScreen: one that installs within the gutter, whereby it attaches to the front lip and fascia boards with screws, and a version that slides under the first course of roof shingles and attaches to the gutter lip with 1/2″ sheet metal screws.
The great news is that with MicroScreen, you choose your installation method.
The advantages of installing within the gutter are that it is independent of the roof system, so it will not be disturbed when you reroof your house, installing with screws in the front and back of the guards significantly strengthens and reinforces your gutters (no more sagging gutters!), and it’s the best choice for metal roof system because it will handle the increased water flow off the metal, and it doesn’t interfere with the metal roof and drip edge systems.
The under shingle (US) version gives you the advantage of mimicking the roof slope, easier installation, and the longer panels act as a drip edge by preventing water from wicking under the shingles and rotting away the roof decking and fascia boards.
How does MicroScreen prevent birds, squirrels, bees and mosquitoes from entering the gutters?
The truth is, a gutter guard is only as good as its end caps, and this is often overlooked by inexperienced installers. MicroScreen uses a self-capping system in that we extend the gutter guard beyond the gutter and fashion a built-in end cap from the guard. This will keep breeding birds, squirrels, bees and mosquitoes out of your gutters. Keeping critters out is vitally important because nesting rodents and birds will clog your gutters that can cause interior and exterior water damage. Squirrels also use gutters as a gateway into attics, which may require you to call an exterminator.
Will leaves and debris collect on top of MicroScreen?
Both versions of MicroScreen install with a forward pitch, which will help leaves and debris roll and wash off the gutter guard surface. While any gutter guard is subject to standing leaves and debris on its surface, it most frequently happens when it rains, as falling leaves and debris are heaviest and can stick. MicroScreen’s open framework allow the air to circulate around the debris and, as it dries, any lingering leaves will flutter to the ground.
How does MicroScreen’s warranty compare to other gutter guard products?
MicroScreen includes a transferable, lifetime NO-CLOG warranty when installed by us, in which we will clean your gutters at no charge if your gutters ever clog!
In what type of environment does MicroScreen Gutter Guard best perform?
MicroScreen performs well in any environment, which is why it is our best selling gutter guard. Its stainless steel micromesh screen allows it to keep out all leaves and debris, including seed pods, oak tassels, pine needles and other small debris. Even shingle granules are too large to penetrate MicroScreen.
MicroScreen Gutter Guard is a must for any home or building that has a metal, slate and tile roofs. Due to the smooth surface of these types of roofs, water flows off the surface considerably faster than asphalt shingle roofs, and MicroScreen has proven to handle the increased water flow extremely well.