No matter what time of the year you get up onto your roof to do your annual or seasonal roof maintenance, it’s almost always a drag. For many homeowners, it’s not something they look forward to and usually leave it until it becomes absolutely necessary. But ignoring blocked gutters can harm your home in many ways. So, it’s more crucial to keep clean the gutters maintain the roof and avoid serious damages like roof leak, growth of mould or even structural damage.
In addition to the usual hassle of getting onto the roof, there’s also the issue of scooping out gunk from blocked gutters and downpipes. Fortunately, you can easily minimise this by opting for the gutter guard installation Melbourne locals are turning to.
Gutter Guards Explained
Typically, gutter guards are robust mesh covers added over the top of your gutters to prevent leaves and other organic materials from creating blockages. Leaves, twigs, and sand can easily blow onto the roof and get stuck in the gutters and downpipes.
Since these guards are placed on top of the gutter, they form a barrier between the gutter and the debris. When leaves can’t get into the gutters, they are more likely to blow off, allowing water to continue flowing the way it’s supposed to.
Top Benefits of Getting Gutter Guards
There are a bunch of benefits that make gutter guards an investment for any home. We’ve listed the most significant:
- Gutter guards prevent blockages caused by organic debris such as leaves and twigs.
- Reduces the likelihood of gutters and downpipes becoming heavy with pooled water and blocked debris.
- Minimises rust, corrosion and other damage caused by trapped water.
- Fewer leaves and twigs in the gutter systems also means there’s minimal risk of flying embers from surrounding bushfires igniting the debris and causing a house fire.
- Gutter guards also reduce the risk of pooled water turning to ice in the winter. This makes the gutters heavier and increases the risk of tearing from the walls.
- Securely fitted guards keep rodents and insects from nesting in the organic material stuck in the gutter.
- When water flows more effectively, there’s less chance of pooled and dripping water causing damage to foundations, roof interiors, and exterior walls.
- Cleaning gutters makes it simpler to harvest rainwater for use in the drier months.
- Minimises the cleaning and maintenance that needs to be done before the rainy months.
A Wide Range of Gutter Guards to Choose From
Part of what makes gutter guards so appealing is that there is a wide range of options that have been designed to suit any gutter style. No matter how old or what size your gutters are, there’s a gutter guard solution out there for your home. Here’s a list of the various gutter guard types that are widely used on Australian homes.
1. Internal Mesh Guards
The most widely used gutter guard in Australia is a model referred to as internal mesh guards. This type of gutter guard is usually installed directly onto the roof rather than simply being placed over the existing drainage system.
Since these types of gutter guards involve creating an angled slope over the gutter, it’s easier for organic debris to fall off rather than simply lie on the top of the guard. This process makes cleaning quick and more efficient.
2. Poly Gutter Guards
If you’re looking for a gutter guard that allows for maximum water to flow through, you may want to consider the PVC or polyethene design. These guards boast tiny holes which allow maximum water drainage without the risk of leaves or twigs getting in.
PVC gutter guards are also well-known for being durable, UV-stabilised, and weather-resistant. Experts usually recommend installing these models in coastal areas because they also don’t rust. Homes that have issues with birds and other pests usually also opt for enhanced protection of PVC gutter guards.
3. Leaf Guards
Homes in high rainfall areas, or those which have trees leaning over the roof, may require stronger gutter guards. In this instance, you may want to opt for leaf guards as they are 20% thicker than the usual industry standard for gutter guards.
Made from aluminium, these gutter guards also boast a reverse-curve design that easily promotes self-cleaning. By reducing clogs, blockages, and pests, this innovative design goes a long way toward reducing water damage to your home.
4. Brush Gutter Guards
Another popular option around Australian homes is the brush gutter guard. As the name suggests, these guards are designed with brushes which lie in the gutter cavity where leaves usually pile up. This option is both effective and budget-friendly.
Final Thought
Investing in gutter guards is a reliable way to keep your gutters free from the organic debris that clogs them and prevents water from flowing freely through them. You won’t have to worry about clogged debris leading to water damage that can harm the interior and exterior of your home. Since gutter guards make it extra easy for wind to blow debris off the roof, you also don’t have to spend an excessive amount of time cleaning and repairing gutters. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why installing gutter guards is fast becoming a popular choice all across Australia!
