Do gutters need those little "corner" pieces?

Donna R
by Donna R
I have those metal pieces that stick up from my gutters at the inside corners, and they don't seem like they do anything except collect a lot of leaves/twigs. I am constantly clearing out from behind them and it's a pain dragging out the ladder all the time. Are they really good for anything, or can I just remove them?
  6 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Sep 20, 2012
    Can you post a photo of what you're talking about? I'm not sure I get it.
  • Donna R Donna R on Sep 21, 2012
    Sure -- I'll try to take a picture that shows one clear enough and upload it tomorrow.
  • Donna R Donna R on Sep 21, 2012
    I am going to post a picture
  • Those little corner things are there to prevent the rush of water that comes down the valleys from blowing over the gutters. So Yes I suggest that you retain them. If your having issues with sticks and twigs, Two things come into mind. One to many branches hanging over the roof, not good, and the need to install gutter guards so your not always cleaning the gutters.
  • Donna R Donna R on Sep 21, 2012
    I do have gutter guards and my trees don't hang over the house, but I have one tree in my front yard (about 60' high) that has very small leaves/twigs that blow easily over the house. This is what gets stuck behind those "shields" and has to be constantly cleaned out. Guess I don't have any choice but to keep doing it. Thanks for the input.
  • Dee W Dee W on Sep 21, 2012
    Isn't it funny how one tree can make such a big difference? The gutters we clean the most we don't even have trees in our front yard on that side to clog them. They float over from across the street where there is a forested empty lot.