I used to run expanded metal gutter guards… until a tree started growing in them. Today I compare common options—foam inserts, premium aluminum micro-mesh, basic plastic snap-ins, and my pick: plastic fine mesh backing. I covered 42 ft of 5" gutters for about $35 and show the quick installation plus a ground-level cleaning trick using a broom handle. If you’ve got asphalt shingles, freezing winters, and constant granules/debris like I do, this setup hits the sweet spot of cost, performance, and