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Does DIY Gutter Guard Work in Heavy Rain? 

Heavy rainfall can cause severe damage to homes, especially if gutters become clogged with debris. This is where gutter guards come in – they can help protect your home by preventing blockages and ensuring water flows freely through the gutter system. 

But does gutter guard work in heavy rain? Yes, gutter guards can work in heavy rain, but their effectiveness depends on factors such as the type of gutter guard, the quality of installation, and the severity of the rainfall event. Some types of gutter guards are more effective than others in handling heavy rain, so choosing the right system for your needs is essential.

In this article, we’ll look closer at installing gutter guards to protect against gutter overflow and at which gutter guards work best in heavy rain.

Can Gutter Guards Handle Heavy Rain?

corrugated gutter guard gutter mesh

The effectiveness of gutter guards in handling heavy rain will depend on factors such as the type of gutter guard installed, the quality of installation, and the severity and duration of the rainfall event. Some gutter guards, such as integrated gutter guard systems, may be more effective in handling heavy rain by directing the water into the gutter while keeping debris out.

Other types, such as mesh screens or foam inserts, may allow more water to enter the gutter but may also be more susceptible to clogged gutters during heavy rainfall events.

Best Gutter Guards for Heavy Rain Ranked

When choosing the best gutter guard system for a heavy rainstorm, it’s essential to consider factors such as the type and amount of debris that is common in the area, as well as the design of the gutter system and the severity of the rainfall events. 

Based on these factors, we have ranked the top gutter guards for heavy rain:

  1. Integrated Gutter Mesh System – These systems, also known as Micro-mesh gutter guards, use a fine mesh integrated into the gutter, making them highly effective at keeping out even small debris while allowing water to flow freely. The gutter guards work in heavy rain with its raised mesh design that uses the roof & gutter pitch to filter the rain into the gutter systems. These durable systems require little maintenance, making them a significant long-term investment for your home.
  2. Ember Guards These guards are designed to provide additional protection from embers during bushfires and are also effective at keeping out larger debris and handling moderate rainfall. However, not all ember guards are created equal when taking heavy rain, as the small holes make a water sheet. Ember guards that are best for heavy rain require directional holes to control water flow and a trough perforated into the mesh material closest to the gutter. Homes that need bushfire protection but heavy rain should use these higher-quality ember guards.
  3. Vinyl Gutter Guards – Also known as reverse curve gutter guards, they are made from durable vinyl material and are designed to snap onto the edges of the gutter. They effectively keep out larger debris and can handle moderate to heavy rainfall. However, homeowners should consider installing these guards professionally as if they are not installed properly; they cause overflowing water. 
  4. Metal Sheets/Gutter Covers – These systems are designed to cover the entire gutter system with a solid or perforated metal sheet, sometimes with strong fasteners. Most effective in moderate to heavy rain, but flat mesh screens may cause clogged gutters.
  5. Brush Gutter Guards – These guards consist of bristles inserted into the gutter, allowing water to flow through while keeping out larger debris. They are effective in moderate rainfall but can become clogged and less effective in heavy rain.
  6. Foam Gutter Guards – These guards are made from a porous foam material that is inserted into the gutter. A foam gutter guard keeps out larger debris but may become clogged and less effective in heavy rain leading to overflowing gutters. The foam also swells in the rain, causing sagging gutters under the weight. 

 

Why Do Gutters Struggle in Heavy Rains?

gutter guard benefits

Gutters can struggle in heavy rain due to several reasons:

  1. Blockages – If gutters are clogged with debris such as leaves, twigs, or other materials, they can become overwhelmed during heavy rainfall. The water may not be able to flow through the gutter system, causing it to overflow and potentially leading to water damage to the home.
  2. Design – Gutters that are not properly designed or installed may not be able to handle heavy rainfall. For example, if the gutters are too narrow or too shallow, they may not be able to handle the volume of water during heavy rain.
  3. Slope – Gutters must be sloped properly to allow water to flow freely toward the downspouts. If the slope is inadequate, water may pool in the gutters during heavy rainfall and cause overflow.
  4. Age and wear – Older gutters or gutters that are damaged may not be able to handle heavy rainfall or new gutters. Over time, gutters may rust, crack, or become misaligned, impacting their ability to handle heavy rain.

It’s important to properly maintain gutters and ensure they are designed and installed correctly to prevent problems during heavy rainfall. This includes regular cleaning, inspection, and repair as needed. This consists of the gutter guard installation process to prevent the gutters from overflowing. Gutter guards work to protect gutters from fallen leaves.

gutter guard on metal roof

Is DIY Plastic Gutter Guard Mesh Worth It?

Gutter guards can be worth it in areas with heavy rainfall as they can help prevent blockages and ensure that water flows freely through the gutter system. This can help protect homes from water damage and prevent costly repairs. However, it’s important to choose the right type of gutter guard system for heavy rainfall and to properly maintain and inspect the system to ensure its effectiveness.

Many gutter guards work in heavy rain and can be highly effective in protecting your home from water damage. However, the effectiveness of gutter guards in handling heavy rain will depend on factors such as the type of gutter guard installed, the quality of installation, and the severity and duration of the rainfall event. By installing gutter guards for your needs, you can protect your home from the damaging effects of heavy rain.

At Aussie DIY Solutions, we offer a wide range of gutter guards to suit every possible DIY budget. We provide gutter guard kits & ember guard kits for corrugated, tiled, trimdek® and Klip-Lok® roofs and kits for box gutters and roof valleys. We also provide solar panel mesh for solar panel protection from birds. 

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