MasterShield vs. LeafFilter
One Stops Clogs. The Other Faced a $5.2M Lawsuit for Not.
LeafFilter spends millions on advertising—but marketing doesn’t stop gutters from clogging. Real-world performance does. And in 2022, LeafFilter North, LLC was hit with a class-action lawsuit after homeowners across the country reported clogs, water damage, and warranty denials.
That case—Zilinsky v. LeafFilter North, LLC—ended in a nationwide $5.2 million settlement.
Let’s break down how MasterShield is engineered differently—and why it works where LeafFilter often doesn’t.
🔍 Side-by-Side Breakdown
| Feature | MasterShield | LeafFilter |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration | 50-micron surgical-grade stainless mesh | ~275–300 micron stainless mesh |
| Debris Protection | Stops pollen, shingle grit, moss spores | Allows fine debris and sludge through |
| Mesh Angle | Installed at the roof pitch (self-cleaning) | Installed flat or slightly pitched |
| Moss & Algae Defense | Copper-infused mesh kills moss on contact | No built-in moss prevention |
| Warranty | Lifetime No-Clog Guarantee, no fine print | “Lifetime” warranty—subject to exclusions |
| Installation | Custom-fit to your roof system | Often screwed into fascia or tucked under shingles |
| Who Installs It | Roofing professionals (That’s us) | Often subcontracted labor |
| Legal Track Record | ✅ No lawsuits | ❌ $5.2M class-action settlement (Zilinsky v. LeafFilter) |
🧨 About the Lawsuit: Zilinsky v. LeafFilter North, LLC
In this federal case, homeowners alleged that:
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LeafFilter did not prevent clogs as promised
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The mesh design allowed sludge, debris, and shingle grit to enter
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Water overflowed and damaged fascia, landscaping, and foundations
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Warranty claims were denied or ignored
Result? LeafFilter agreed to pay $5.2 million to affected homeowners, offering partial reimbursements and gutter cleaning vouchers.
📄 Official site: leaffiltersettlement.com
📁 Case info: G&S Legal LeafFilter Class Action
🔬 Why MasterShield Gets It Right
MasterShield’s tighter mesh, pitched design, and copper integration solve the core failures LeafFilter was sued over:
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Tight filtration blocks even fine particles and roof grit
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Roof-pitch install means debris rolls off—no sitting sludge
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Copper thread inhibits moss and algae growth naturally
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No fascia damage—we install clean and warranty-safe
🧠 Smart Gutter Protection, Built by Roof Experts
We’re not a marketing franchise. We’re a roofing company. That means:
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We know how water really flows off your roof
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We don’t sub out your install
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We treat your fascia, flashing, and roofline with respect
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We stand behind our work—for life
If a MasterShield system ever clogs? We fix it. Period. No annual cleanings required.
Final Word: What’s “Lifetime” Worth If It Doesn’t Work?
| Question | LeafFilter | MasterShield |
|---|---|---|
| Can it stop roof sludge and grit? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Does it resist moss growth? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (copper thread) |
| Installed by pros who understand roofs? | ❌ Usually subs | ✅ Yes (RoofSmart team) |
| Legal history? | ❌ $5.2M class-action lawsuit | ✅ Clean track record |
| Warranty you can trust? | ⚠️ With limitations | ✅ Full No-Clog Lifetime Guarantee |
Get It Done Right The First Time
📞 Request your free gutter and roof inspection today.
No pressure. Just a smarter, cleaner system—and zero sludge surprises.