Short answer: MasterShield scored 2.5 out of 5 overall. NCR flagged thin sheet metal that can bow or crack, and installed pricing that varies by sales rep.
Scores
Price$$$
Protection3 / 5
Reputation2 / 5
Strength3 / 5
Water throughput3 / 5
Durability2 / 5
- Manufacturer
- MasterShield
- Type
- Micro mesh
- Gutter sizes
- 2" to 7.5"
- Material
- Aluminum
- Roof types
- All
- Installation
- Professional install only
- Dealer network
- Limited
- Warranty
- Limited
What NCR wrote, in their words
Price w/ Installation.
“We have discovered prices over a wide range. It appears that price is somewhat at the discretion of the commissioned sales representative.”
Protection Coefficient — 3/5.
“Initially this system seems to prevent most debris from entering the gutter. We have spoken to several customers who have had it on their homes more than three years and some separation has occurred.”
Industry Reputation — 2/5.
“Many complaints have been registered with the Better Business Bureau in the Mid-West. It is a combination of installation practices and performance.”
Strength — 3/5.
“One of the big drawbacks to this product is that the 0.017" thick sheet metal aluminum is rather flimsy... Work hardening of the sheet metal can also cause cracking or splitting.”
Water Throughput — 3/5.
“We have observed some over-shooting in heavy rains. The efficiency of the screen is somewhat limited. This is not limited to inside corners, but occurs on straight lengths, also.”
Durability — 2/5.
“MasterShield is relatively weak due to the thin aluminum sheet metal. It will tend to basket over time. The mesh screens are mechanically assembled and tend to loosen over time.”— NCR Consumer Advocacy Group, archived January 13, 2017
Ratings from other sources, as NCR quoted them (updated June 2010)
NCR included these as reader complaints from Judy's Book, not from their own testing:
“Does do what it says, [your] gutters will never have to be cleaned again, Why? Nothing goes in not even water in heavy [rain] or when it snows. Screens freeze in winter causing water to flow off.”Judy's Book reader quote, via NCR
“I would never recommend Mastershield. They do not stand behind their product or installation and the lifetime warranty is a joke. Water flows over the gutters not into them and the ice in the winter is terrible because of this.”Judy's Book reader quote, via NCR