Are you dreading your pre-summer roof maintenance because it means climbing up the ladder to clear out leaves and debris from the gutters? Have you trimmed all the trees around your roof but you’re still finding bunches of leaves and twigs clogging up your gutters and down pipes? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then this post is worth reading.
With scorching hot temperatures, unpredictable rainy seasons, and a high risk of bushfires, it’s not uncommon for many Australian homeowners to opt for the gutter guard installation Melbourne roofers recommend. One of the more common types of gutter guards is leaf guards.
What Are Leaf Guards?
As the name indicates, leaf guards are components that guard your roof from leaves. Essentially, a leaf guard is a simple aluminium sheet with holes that when placed on your gutter, prevent leaves from clogging up your gutters and downpipes.
These gutter guards can still drain away rainwater but will make it easier for you to clean off leaves and larger twigs and branches. This guard is specially designed for homes where leaves are the primary cause of downpipe blockages.
An Effective Way to Keep Leaves Out of Gutters
No one looks forward to dealing with blocked gutters and downpipes. Not only is it a messy job, but since you’re climbing onto the roof, there’s the risk of injury. In addition to that, you’re also exposing yourself to the sun’s harmful rays. Depending on the state of your roof, this can see you busy anywhere from an hour to a significant part of the day.
Typically, gutters and downpipes get blocked with debris that flies around and lands in your gutters. Rainwater then either washes it out or simply moves it down into the downpipes where it can latch onto other debris and get stuck. The most common items that can clog your gutters or downpipes include the following:
- Fallen leaves
- Twigs
- Sand
- Birds nests
- Moss
- Dead rodents or birds
If you’ve noticed that your gutters are getting blocked more than you’d like, then it’s definitely time to invest in gutter guards over your existing gutter system. In instances where leaves are the primary cause of blockages, it’s best to invest in leaf guards. The smaller hole design makes it easier to keep leaves out. Here are a few of the top reasons why this gutter type is a good idea.
1. Keeps Leaves Out
In many instances, leaves are the primary cause of blocked gutters. This happens when you live around tall trees or have trees with branches that lean close to or on the roof. The wind can also carry leaves from your neighbour’s trees to your roof. Smaller holes will reduce the likelihood of leaves getting into your gutter or downpipe.
2. Reduces the Likelihood of Water Damage
Clogged gutters and downpipes make it exceptionally easy for water to back up and pool on your roof. This will not only damage certain components of your roof but also eventually damage the foundation or exterior walls.
There’s also the risk of water seeping into your home through the facia boards, leaving you to deal with thousands of dollars of damage. With fewer areas exposed to standing water, your home is also more likely to stay mould-free.
3. Avoids Costly Repairs
Water-logged gutters can also get so heavy that they start tearing away from the roof and the house. They can also start corroding and eventually rusting. Both of these instances can lead to extensive costs as you may not be able to replace components and will have to replace the entire gutter system.
4. Avoids Pests Moving in
Another good reason to keep your drainage system clean is that birds and rodents often make nets in gutters that are filled with leaves and twigs. These nests are then washed into the downpipe when it rains.
Other pests such as cockroaches and ants can live in the gutters and as a result gain access to the inside of your room through a small crack or opening anywhere on your roof. These pests can do extensive damage to your property and they’re also harmful to your health. While it’s true that insects can easily fit through the holes on leaf guards, the likelihood of them moving into a clean gutter is minimal.
5. Reduce Your Seasonal Maintenance
If you no longer have blocked gutters and downpipes to deal with, your seasonal roof maintenance will easily become considerably less. There’s also less chance that you will need to get on the roof and risk injury.
Final Thoughts
Gutter guards are always a good idea. However, if you routinely have to scoop leaves out of your gutters or downpipes, it’s a clear sign that you should opt for leaf guards. If you’re not sure of the type of guard you need, you may want to speak to your local roofer to assess the situation.
Leaf guards will reduce the amount of roof maintenance you need to do every season. You’ll also have peace of mind that your gutters are clean and safe, even in the rainy season!
