Are you looking to install gutter guards to your home? It is a wise investment. If you have ever faced the laborious, dull and often messy task of having to clean out a blocked gutter, then it is not a task you would want to repeat very often.
Whilst installing a gutter guard to your property will reduce the number of times you have to climb that ladder and clean the system out, their purpose is aimed at doing a lot more than just stopping you getting your hands dirty!
Clogged gutters can be very damaging to your home. When leaves and debris build up in your guttering system, it prevents rain water from running through like it is designed to – eventually building up, which in turn can lead to significant damage to your roofing and foundations. Of course gutter guards do not just protect against water damage, many animals are able to find their way into your property via your guttering and set up nest.
Installing a gutter guard is a wise investment and can save you time and money in the long run. Gutter guards are also very easy to install and affix to your property, making them a perfect DIY project to make to your home this weekend.
When it comes to choosing the right gutter guard for your home, with so many options on offer it can be tough to know which is right one for your property or budget – so we have taken a look and the benefits and negatives of some of the most common DIY gutter guards on the market…
Brush Gutter Guards
Brush gutter guards are probably the cheapest and easiest to install guards on the market. Coming in various lengths, you simply need to place the brush guards into the system for them to start working – although if you live in a windy or storm prone area then it might be an idea to tie these down to secure them from disappearing.
These guards work by acting as a barrier against leaves and other debris, with the plastic bristles designed to brush them down towards the ground whilst still allowing rain water to flow through it freely. Although brush gutter guards are effective and incredibly easy for you to install, without needing any real DIY skills, they are prone to letting smaller debris enter the gutter still; meaning you will need to clean them out regularly. As you can see in the photo these act as debris catchers which can be great for protecting your downspouts but they do need to be kept clean regularly sop they don’t become a bushfire hazard. We have also found that they can have a short service life typically 5 years or less.
Foam Gutter Guards
Another very easy solution to install at home by yourself, foam gutter guards again simply slot into the gutter (although like the brush version you should affix this in with cable ties or similar). As they are so easy to install, they are a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts and they are effective at stopping debris from entering the gutter system.
The problem with foam guards however is that the material itself encourages the growth of mold whilst it is also common for any seeds that have fallen onto the foam to begin sprouting roots and growing. Exposure to the elements can also cause the foam to degrade and break down, meaning they need to be replaced every few years. they can also create a flat surface on which debris can accumulate becoming a bushfire hazard so we would encourage people to stay away from these if you live in a bushfire area.
Vinyl Guards
If you are keen on your DIY, vinyl guards require a little more skill to affix to your guttering system, but are still a simple job to install. Covering the entire gutter, the vinyl guards are very good at preventing any debris from entering the system whilst the little perforated holes are designed to allow rainwater to enter freely.
Although a very effective solution at preventing debris from entering the gutter, they are still known to get clogged up over time. In heavy rain, the vinyl guards can also block some water from entering – unable to keep up with the flow of water running off your roof and causing it to back up.
Mesh Panels
Probably one of the most popular gutter guard solutions on the market in Australia today, mesh panel guards affix directly to the gutter. Capable of being fitted by most DIY enthusiasts, the mesh panels are designed to prevent debris from entering through the small gaps whilst simultaneously allowing water to run through.
Although mesh panels are very effective, they do often need to be replaced after a few years as they can become warped in the middle. The mesh panels also create a flat surface over the gutter; which can lead to leaves and other debris building up and needing to be cleaned also because the debris stay on the mesh they can become saturated in the rain turning into a gloopy mess that accumulates in your gutters..
Integrated Mesh
Similar in style to mesh panels, integrated panels are fitted directly to the inside of the gutter rather than affixing to the roof; creating an angled shape that encourages debris and leaves to fall to the ground. Incredibly durable, integrated mesh gutter guards are arguably the most effective and preferred solutions available in Australia today.
Although they are a little more expensive than some other options, the integrated mesh system will last longer and can even help to increase the overall strength of the gutter itself; meaning in the long run, you will be save money on not needing to replace your gutter guards. You can also have peace of mind knowing your helping protect your home from bushfires and nesting birds.
When it comes to gutter guards, there are just a handful of the many styles and options out there on the market. As one of the leading online providers of gutter guards in Australia, we offer a huge range of styles for the DIY market. Our guards are made from durable aluminium; meaning they will not rust over time and are not affected by sunlight.
Our low cost solutions will allow you to protect your home very quickly, with each guard designed for easy installation; so if you are looking to do it yourself then our guards are perfect for you and need no prior experience to install.
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