Practically all homes and commercial property owners go through the dilemma of whether or not to add gutter guards. Unless you live in surroundings that are devoid of trees, you have more than likely pondered over this question. That’s probably why you’re reading this blog!
Years ago when there were few Leafguard
products available in Melbourne, options were limited, gutter screens
and solid gutter covers were the only options to choose from. The screens were
available at hardware stores and the solid gutter covers which were built-in
into the gutter as a single piece or used as an accessory to an existing gutter
were available from limited manufacturers.
The store bought screens did not
work, yet this was the most popular system available and the reason behind was the
cost factor, the screens were inexpensive and relatively easy to install by
(DIY) do-it-yourself. The gutter screens used to quickly collect seedpods,
leaves and debris and become a breeding ground for gutter muck. The intent of
gutter guards is to keep away bits and pieces out and not become a breeding
place for tree saplings and mosquitoes to grow. As a process of cleaning the
gutters, one has to remove the screens, and remove the debris from the gutters
and fix the screens back to normal position. During the process, you are likely
to destroy or mangle gutter guard sections when removing and reinstalling them.
In comparison to the cost and time spent in cleaning and installation of screens,
they were not that efficient. At the end of the day frustration will be the
result and you would be surely looking for a better solution to the problem.
With the growing demand there are
great alternative available in comparison to store-bought screens nowadays.
Different options such as:
Mesh gutter guards: These
metal sheets attach to the roof shingles and cover the gutter. They are filled
with tiny holes preventing leaves and debris to enter.
Reverse curve gutter guards:
These positions the water downward while the leaves are positioned to fall to
the ground rather than gathering on the top.
Bottle brush gutter guards:
These are made of bristles that face upright inside the gutter, so that
anything that falls stays on top of bristles while the water flows away.
Foam gutter guards: Actually
made of plastic that fits into your gutter, helping to block the debris from
going into the gutter.
Nylon gutter guards: They
are the best choice for winters as they work extremely well due to the unique
design that prevents snow and freezing.
These guards prevent leaves and
debris to penetrate the guards and it deflects most debris that lands on the
roof. This product has a relative narrow opening below the curved nose with a succession
of slots that run horizontally along each section because of which most of the
water gets into the gutters, but it might not function properly in yards where
trees shed small leaves, seed pods and pine needles where debris can easily
clog the openings. Whereas the openings needs to be washed or cleaned manually
using pressure, the combination of the small openings and the narrow slots leaves
no option other than regular maintenance if you have trees that produce and
shed small debris.
Today, you have many options from
which you can choose. The quantity and types of trees in your yard, your roof’s
slope and roof type and proximity to your home will determine the which Leafguard in Melbourne will suit you the best. The price, as usual plays an
important role. With the markets flooded with so many products, we encourage
you to do your homework by comparing all the available options and then select
the solution that is best for you.
