I am sure this has been beaten to death, but once they are installed don't you still have to clean them out? We have a number of live/red oaks that produce those "worms". Wouldn't they clog up the filters?

I can't speak for LeafFilter in particular as they are a specific type of stainless mesh system. I do know that aside from LeafGuard, other factors have an effect on how the mesh screen performs. Such as gutter height below shingles, roof slope, debris load, etc.

I have a roll lock style on my gutters and they do require me to periodically brush them off. A fine steel mesh would possibly perform better but I think they will still require some manner of at least brushing off. Maybe not, I can't say for sure.

The only ones I've seen that seem truly maintenance free are the LeafGuard but the last ones I prices out that insurance told the homeowner to pound sand (still fighting it) were north of $30/LF so you're going to pay for that convenience.

Hopefully others can chime in with LeafGuard firsthand info.

My parents have LeafGuard. They installed them on a new build (about 1/2 way between Magnolia & The Woodlands) in 2004. My father has said they were expensive then, but no where near what they are now.

At that time the hardwoods on the property were anywhere from mature height to growing and the pines were ~6 years old (the property was logged for pine prior to development). Now of course the pine too are 40-50ft tall, well taller than the house. The property is not 100% wooded, but there are plenty of trees close to the house.

This past spring they had to have a LeafGuard rep come out and service one stretch of gutter that had finally become clogged with pinestraw. Lifetime warranty covered the service at no cost.

They are DAMN pricy, but they really are amazing.

We have LeafGuard on our house and are happy with it. IMO, single best investment we made in the house, in terms of labor-saving.

Before LeafGuard, our gutters were open with a not-so-fine screen mesh on top. I'd say the openings in that mesh were about 1/4 inch. Tree crud was always getting caught in that mesh, while finer stuff went through and sometimes caused clogs in the actual gutters.

I haven't done anything at all with our gutters since installing LeafGuard. Our 2nd floor is too tall to get to, at least by me, so no way would I even dare to get up there to unclog gutters.

Our next-door neighbor as LeafFilter and while the LeafFilter keeps her gutters from getting clogged, the tree debris and whatever else collects on top (on that fine mesh screen) so she has to get up there and sweep off her gutters every few months.

ETA: We had LeafGuard installed maybe 10 years ago or so. It was a little pricey then. I have no idea how much it costs now.

LeafGuard is pricey. However, if they are truly maintenance free and have a lifetime warranty where they will clean them for free, then that would be worth it for places with difficult access and trees.

The only issue I have had is carriers balking at covering them when they are hail damaged. The price of these gutters is roughly 3X more than a standard gutter and they don't have anything in the estimation software that hits the price point. Keep all receipts and be aware that you might have to fight or go through litigation on some carriers to cover them. Personally, I would get your quotes, call your carrier and have them explicitly notate the account that these gutters are on the home and are fully covered as part of your coverage. If they get a $24,000 invoice for replacing them, they may flip out and you might be left holding the bag without strong arming them.

And ask for veterans and senior citizen discounts, if you qualify.