With summer fast approaching, many Australians are getting ready to perform their annual roof maintenance tasks. This generally includes cleaning gutters and checking your roof panels and tiles for damages.
Depending on the area where you live, roof maintenance can be quite a chore. Looking for ways to simplify roof maintenance is the motivation behind opting for the gutter guard installation Melbourne residents rely on to simplify seasonal cleaning.
Why You Should Consider Adding Gutter Guards
Essentially, gutter guards are mesh covers that you add over your gutters to prevent the usual blockages that happen when debris blows onto the roof and into the drainage system. The top ways that gutter guards can simplify your seasonal roof maintenance in the following ways:
- Prevents blockages in the draining system typically caused by twigs and leaves
- Reduces corrosion and rust caused by trapped water
- Increases fire protection as they reduce the amount of dry debris building up in the gutters and downpipes – flying embers from nearby bushfires often ignite dry leaves on roofs
- Reduces the likelihood of water pooling in gutters and freezing in the cooler months, adding weight to the gutters
- Keeps insects and rodents from using dry debris as nesting material
- Reduces the risk of water damage to your foundation, exterior walls, and roof interior when water is unable to flow freely
- Keeps gutters clear for water to flow freely, optimising rainwater collection for use in drier months
- Reduces the overall cleaning that needs to be done on the roof during rainy seasons
- Eliminates the risk of gutters becoming too heavy with blocked debris and pooled water and causing potential harm if they tea loose from the wall or roof
No Shortage of Options to Choose From
A huge selling point of gutter guards is that there is an extensive range of different options to choose from. This makes it considerably easier to find the size and style needed to fit securely on your gutters. We’ve highlighted a list of the different types of gutter guards that are popular across Australia.
Internal Mesh Guards
For the most part, internal mesh guards are the number one choice by Australian home and commercial property owners. This is because these options are installed directly onto the roof and not just placed over the drainage system. This solution works because an angled slope is created over the gutter to ensure that debris such as leaves and twigs pass over the top of the gutter rather than just lie on it.
Internal mesh guards are particularly effective in bushfire-prone areas, as they prevent the accumulation of dry leaves, which can act as fuel for fires. Some internal mesh systems are fire-rated, providing an extra layer of protection for homes located in high-risk zones.
Steel Mesh Gutters
This gutter type is created using a fine mesh material similar to the type of screen material you place on doors. Steel mesh guards are usually placed over a standard gutter to keep debris and pests from getting into the drainage system. Since it’s designed using a thin mesh fabric, water easily passes through without dragging any debris with it into the downpipes.
Steel mesh guards are ideal for regions that experience heavy storms, as they prevent clogging even during extreme weather conditions. This option also offers longevity, as steel mesh is rust-resistant, ensuring it maintains its effectiveness over time.
Box Gutter Guards
Some gutters are rectangular or square-shaped and will require a different type of gutter guard. In this instance, box gutter guards are the preferred option. This guard type is also better suited to areas with above-average rainfall.
Box gutter guards ensure that water flows smoothly and avoids pooling, which is essential for maintaining structural integrity. Their design helps manage heavy downpours by quickly directing water into the drainage system, reducing overflow risks around your foundation.
Keep in mind that if your home is in an area with a lot of trees and receives a significant amount of rainfall, you’re more likely to have clogged gutters. A larger gutter, with a matching gutter guard, is usually the solution.
Leaf Guards
If you’re looking for a solution that goes a step further in keeping gutters and downpipes clean, then leaf guards may be what you need. Made of aluminium, these guards are about 20% thicker than the usual industry standard.
Besides this, they are also designed with a reverse-curve design that promotes self-cleaning. This design goes a long way toward reducing the time you need to spend on the roof. It’s also guaranteed to reduce clogs and significantly reduce any blockages that can potentially cause water damage to your home.
Leaf guards are perfect for properties surrounded by trees, as they are effective at preventing leaves from getting stuck, especially during autumn when leaf buildup is most common.
Poly Gutter Guards
As the name suggests, poly gutter guards are made from PVC or polyethylene. This design includes tiny holes to allow the maximum amount of water to flow through without letting leaves and twigs through.
Since PVC is UV-stabilised, weather-resistant, and durable, these options are usually installed in coastal regions where you want a solution that doesn’t rust. Poly gutter guards are also excellent for keeping birds out of your gutters. Their lightweight design makes them easy to install, and they’re an affordable, long-lasting option for both residential and commercial properties.
Brush Gutter Guards
Brush gutter guards are another popular option around Australian homes. Designed with brushes that lie in the space where the leaves pile up, this option is the most cost-effective gutter guard solution.
Brush guards are especially useful for those looking for a low-maintenance option. While they still require occasional cleaning, the brushes do an excellent job of keeping most debris out, allowing water to flow freely. This type of gutter guard is easy to install and replace, making it a convenient option for DIY homeowners. They’re also flexible, fitting into irregular-shaped gutters that may be difficult to protect with other guard types.
Final Thoughts
Gutter guards are the most effective way to keep your gutters clear from the debris that would usually block them. Adding these versatile solutions to your gutters also ensures that larger pieces of debris don’t clog up your drainage system, creating the pooled water that causes damage both inside and outside your home. Installing gutter guards will also reduce the time you spend cleaning your roof. Ultimately, this makes installing them a win-win!
