Honestly, I get the appeal of adding another filter, but from my experience, it might just complicate things. Tried something similar last year—ended up spending more time cleaning the filter than I ever did scooping sediment. Maybe simpler really is better sometimes?
I see your point, filters can definitely be a hassle sometimes... but it really depends on the setup. I've found that if you go with a mesh pre-filter that's easy to access, it cuts down on the maintenance quite a bit. Last year I switched to a basic stainless steel mesh screen—nothing fancy, just something I could quickly rinse off every couple weeks—and it made a noticeable difference. Not saying simpler isn't good, but sometimes a minor tweak can make complexity manageable.
Good point on the stainless mesh—definitely helps if you keep it accessible. A couple other things I've noticed:
- Slightly angling the mesh screen can help debris slide off easier, less buildup overall.
- Checking after heavy rains makes a big difference, too... prevents surprise blockages later.
Good tips on angling the mesh, hadn't thought of that one. I'd just add—don't underestimate how quickly debris can build up, even with a good screen. Had a tenant once who swore he checked regularly... turned out his "regularly" was maybe once a season, if that. Ended up with a pretty nasty overflow during a heavy storm, and guess who got the call at 2 AM?
Also, stainless mesh is great and all, but I've seen some cheaper plastic screens hold up surprisingly well too. Might be worth experimenting if you're trying to keep costs down. Just don't go too cheap—you'll regret it when you're fishing bits of cracked plastic out of your gutters later.
One last thing: make sure your overflow setup is solid. Even with diligent maintenance, you'll eventually get that freak storm or unexpected blockage. Better safe than sorry...
Good points about overflow setups. Had a client once who insisted his system was "bulletproof" because he splurged on stainless mesh and fancy diverters. Guess who still ended up ankle-deep in water at midnight during a freak downpour? Yep, yours truly. Plastic screens can be decent, but I've seen them warp badly in direct sun. Just keep an eye on them if you go that route...
