gutters
This may be a simple question, but I just want to make sure I am doing it right. When installing a leaf guard on a gutter under shingles, which layer is best to put it under? I do not know much about roofs so I thought I would ask.
As you can see, there seems to be two layers. Should the guard go under the first or second layer? Thank you.
I've not found any solution. The guards made of mesh, plastic, metal, whatever, tend to get clogged if you have trees that drop small seeds. Cottonwood is a weed around here. In the spring, the cotton goes flying around. It is impossible to get out of the mesh. I tore those style of guards out after a few years. As well, small stuff from the shingles on our house could fall through the mesh. I found a half inch think layer of black gunk lying in the bottoms of our gutters in spots, since the mesh does not stop really small stuff.
The gutter caps have a reputation as hornet hotels. Wasps can build nests underneath them, and I have a known bee sting allergy.
My solution is a simple one. Clean out the gutters twice a year. I blow them out with a leaf blower, standing on the ground. I added a couple of pieces of pvc angle to my leaf blower, with a long extension. Then I put on a hooded jacket when the gutters are dry, and blow the mess out away from me if possible. I usually get a face full or two, but that is what the hooded jacket is for.
Neighbors of ours chose to skip gutters completely when they just built their new home. But that leaves you with a need to deal with water near your foundation.
It's a strange method (to me, anyway) but my guess is someone put it there to prevent erosion. If you have water running from the downspout, without anything there it will basically pound a hole into the ground, as well as drain into your foundation, which can cause various problems including flooding of your basement, and cracked foundations.
I guess it's the cheap equivalent of one of these:
It's best though to have an extension and get it far away from your house, so that water is running downhill/away from your foundation.
Best Answer
Since you have three-tab type shingles, I would put it under both layers. If you put it under just one layer the guards will show through in the drip lines. They'll also tend to catch debris a bit more.
Also, the bottoms of each tab are bonded to the layer below with tar strips. By separating them you reduce storm damage resistance slightly.