MasterShield Vs. LeafGuard:
Gutter Protection Comparison Guide

How Two Of Puget Sound’s Most Popular
Gutter Guards Compare In 5 Key Categories.

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MasterShield and LeafGuard are popular gutter protection systems among Puget Sound homeowners. But is one better for Pacific Northwest homes than the other? Or, more specifically… is one better for YOUR home than the other?

That’s what you’re about to find out.

MasterShield and LeafGuard might both be gutter protection systems, but they operate very differently. This article compares the two solutions in five key categories to show you those differences… and help you make the right decision for your home.

Let’s get started.

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MasterShield Vs. LeafGuard: Type Of System

LeafGuard System Type: Reverse Curve

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LeafGuard is a reverse-curve gutter protection system. The top of the cover is 100% solid, which is meant to block debris that comes from directly above it.

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Example of a reverse-curve gutter guard.

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Reverse-curve gutter guards work based on water tension, gravity, and the capillary action of liquids. Water droplets roll down the solid cover, around the edge of the system’s nose, and into the gutters.

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MasterShield System Type: Sloped Micromesh

MasterShield is an all-metal, sloped micromesh gutter protection system. The micromesh screen lets water flow into your gutters while blocking even the smallest debris.

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MasterShield is a sloped micromesh gutter guard.

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Unlike reverse-curve systems, micromesh gutter guards allow water to enter your gutters directly from the top of the cover instead of the side.

So, which system is better at letting in water while keeping out debris—LeafGuard’s reverse curve or MasterShield’s sloped micromesh?

Let’s take a look.

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MasterShield Vs. LeafGuard: Water Management

LeafGuard Water Management

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Reverse-curve gutter guards like LeafGuard work exceptionally well… in controlled environments. As mentioned above, reverse-curve systems work based on water tension and the capillary action of liquids. It’s a fine method—as long as you don’t break the surface tension on the cover.

Unfortunately, unbroken surface tension only occurs when you have a controlled (set amount) of water flowing into the gutter. In the Puget Sound area, we get vastly different rates of rainfall: one day it’s a drizzle; the next day, it’s a downpour. This causes the following issues with reverse curve systems like LeafGuard:

• Increased rainfall means increased water flow, which breaks the surface tension and allows water to pour over the gutters.
• Less rainfall means insufficient water flow to adequately remove the debris. Without sufficient force, debris gets hung up in the opening and blocks any and all water from passing inside.

It’s important to understand that many gutter guard companies do not consider water running over the system as a clog. As such, overflow-based water damage to your home is not covered under the warranty.

If you are considering LeafGuard or another gutter guard company that sells a similar product, ask them what would happen if you increased or decreased the rate of water. If you really want to catch them off guard, ask them to show you a product demo!

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MasterShield Water Management

MasterShield is the only micromesh system installed on a patented slope. It’s the only gutter guard that works at the same angle as your roof. This allows MasterShield to handle THE heaviest rains Mother Nature can throw at it.

MasterShield’s HydroVortex technology sucks water down into the filter. Even though the holes in MasterShield gutter guards are only half the width of your hair, they are shaped such that each one forms a miniature whirlpool that siphons water into the gutter, no matter how much rain there is.

Here is a quick look at how MasterShield sheds debris and handles rain:

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But MasterShield’s innovative water-management technology doesn’t stop there. It also comes with a groundbreaking drip-edge system to eliminate unsightly “tiger stripes” on your gutters. With other gutter guards, dirty rainwater runs over the front of the gutters and creates ugly streaks. MasterShield’s angled surface and gasket system prevent these streaks from forming. The result is better-looking gutters… and a better-looking HOME.

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MasterShield Vs. LeafGuard: Clog Protection

LeafGuard Clog Protection

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In theory, a reverse-curve gutter guard seems like a surefire way to keep out leaves and debris. After all, how can debris penetrate a solid hood?

The reality, however, is different. Once again, water tension comes into play… and not in a good way. Small debris (like fir needles) gets swept up by flowing water and carried directly into your gutters.

Watch this 40-second video to see how reverse-curve technology actually feeds your gutters debris:

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The result? Clogs like this…

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Clogged reverse-curve: Exhibit A.

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And this…

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Clogged reverse-curve: Exhibit B.

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Bottom line: A reverse-curve system’s appetite for small foliage is a big problem—one that can cause major water damage to your home.

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MasterShield Clog Protection

Many gutter covers—regardless of the type—have trouble shedding wet debris. Leaves and needles stick to the cover’s surface. With micromesh systems, this debris will build up over time and cause clogs. With reverse-curve systems, the debris will eventually find its way into your gutters.

MasterShield’s patented LeafRelease™ non-stick surface eliminates this issue by allowing debris to dry and blow away faster. MasterShield is made with a 316 surgical-grade stainless steel microfilter that blocks out even those small, pesky pine needles. In fact, nothing but water can get through a MasterShield-protected gutter!

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Access denied!

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MasterShield even solves a common issue with micromesh systems: clogged screens.

With the average micromesh gutter cover, the small holes in the screen can become plugged up with oil, dirt, and microorganisms. MasterShield eliminates this with a revolutionary copper-wire system:

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MasterShield self-cleans with copper technology.

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Copper, which attacks bacteria and oil, is woven directly into the micromesh screen. Copper ions break down and actually kill algae, mold, mildew spores, and other elements that can potentially clog the screen.

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MasterShield Vs. LeafGuard: Installation

LeafGuard Installation

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It’s important to note that LeafGuard is actually a complete gutter system. It comes with the cover, eaves, downspouts… everything. This means you cannot install it on your existing gutters; you must remove your current gutter system. Naturally, this makes LeafGuard more expensive than stand-alone gutter guards.

LeafGuard is advertised as working with all roof types and pitches. Since it’s mounted away from your shingles, you won’t have to worry about LeafGuard affecting your roof’s warranty.

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MasterShield Installation

MasterShield is a stand-alone gutter cover. If your current gutters are in good shape, MasterShield can be installed right on them. (And if you do need new gutters, we’ve got you covered!)

As for your roof’s warranty? It remains 100% intact. MasterShield is installed with a cutting-edge method, so it “floats” between the starter shingles and the first row of main shingles. Zero fasteners are used on your actual roof. The weight of the shingles is sufficient to press down on the back of MasterShield and locks it firmly in place.

In fact, four of the largest shingle manufacturers — GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and IKO — have gone on record and approved MasterShield installation for their roofing systems.

Take a look…

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MasterShield Vs. LeafGuard: Product Warranty

LeafGuard Warranty

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LeafGuard’s lifetime no-clog warranty follows the industry standard. The warranty does NOT guarantee clog-free gutters. It states that when your gutters do get clogged (and they probably will), a LeafGuard representative will remove the clog for free. It typically takes gutter guard companies a week or two to service clogs, so you’re stuck with plugged-up gutters until then.

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MasterShield Warranty

MasterShield comes with a TRUE Lifetime No-Clog Guarantee. If your gutters ever clog while MasterShield is protecting them, you can choose to receive either a replacement system or a full refund of the product cost.

But your peace of mind doesn’t stop there. Should the clog cause damage claimable against your homeowner’s policy, you’ll be refunded your insurance deductible up to $1,500.

Should you sell your home, MasterShield’s Lifetime No-Clog Warranty fully transfers to the next owner. It’s an excellent way to increase your home’s resale value.

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Get A Free Gutter Guard Quote In Puget Sound

Want clog-free gutters for LIFE? Contact Leafless In Seattle for your free quote on the best gutter protection in Puget Sound. We serve Seattle, Kent, Tacoma, and the surrounding areas. It would be an honor to speak with you!

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