Gutter Maintenance - A Risky Priority
Climbing up a ladder to clean gutters is risky business. It's messy, dangerous, and most folks get the job done without appropriate safety measures like fall protection. Sure, you can pay someone to take on the risk of cleaning your gutters, but for the most part it is not a sustainable option; but there is a solution that is growing in popularity: a quality gutter guard (sometimes known as a leaf guard), will eliminate this risky chore from your to-do list.
Let's discuss why this simple add-on is quickly becoming a must-have for homeowners who have better (and safer) things to do with their time.
What is a Gutter Guard?
Think of a gutter guard as a protective shield for your gutters - that also gives your roof-line a slick and tidy look. A gutter guard is basically a specialised mesh screen that sits above the open channel of your gutters, keeping common sources of blockages out (like leaves, twigs, and most kinds of airborne litter) while letting water flow through smoothly.
The best part? Modern mesh gutter guards are pretty impressive pieces of tech. They're nothing like those unsightly aftermarket products from decades ago. Today's guards are engineered to handle whatever the elements throws at them, from seasonal leaf cascades to disruptive winds that make you glad you stayed indoors.
The Risks of Clogged Gutters
Most home owners know that blocked gutters can become a serious issue, even though most of our clients admit to postponing a routine gutter cleaning. If you're one of the many Aussies who have to roll their sleeves up to perform this dreaded task, then keep reading to explore why neglected gutters can turn a small hassle into serious damage with a price tag to match.
Health and Safety Risks
Let's be honest - climbing ladders is a serious health-and-safety risk. Even more alarming are the statistics on ladder accidents. Every year, ladder-related accidents result in thousands of hospital treated injuries; with a subset tragically resulting in fatality. We're talking about:
- Nasty falls (even in cases where fall protection is used)
- Head injuries that are way more serious than they sound
- Back injuries that can prevent victims from returning to work
- Cuts from those surprisingly sharp gutter edges
- Close calls with power lines (yes, some people forget about electrical hazards)
Why risk becoming another statistic when a gutter guard can keep you planted on the ground?
Increased Fire Risk
Bushfire season is stressful enough without worrying about your gutters becoming a fire starter. Think of those dry leaves in your gutters as kindling just waiting for a spark. A quality mesh gutter guard acts like a fire deterrent on duty 24/7:
- Keeps the flammable stuff out
- Blocks those often unseen flying embers
- Keeps water flowing for when you need it
- Gives you one less thing to worry about when fire danger is high
Structural Property Damage
To put it simply, the job of your gutters us keeping water away from places it shouldn't be. When gutters get clogged, it's just the same as not having any gutters at all; and probably worse because a blocked roof gutter holds on to a host of unwanted materials that can cause a series of nasty issues:
- Water damage that flows on to other areas of your house
- Leaky roofs that can cause significant damage before they are noticed
- Rotting wood that attracts all sorts of unwanted critters
- Mold that causes both structural damage and health issues to the occupants
A gutter guard is like hiring a full-time bouncer to keep the troublemakers (leaves and debris) from starting these problems in the first place.
Damage From Pests and Vermin
Unprotected gutters are like a highway for pests and vermin - giving them free access to different access points in your roof. We're talking about:
- Birds delivering twigs and litter while building a nest in the gutter
- Rodents travelling in and out of your roof through the gutter network
- Insects living in, and feeding off, the materials blocking the gutter
- Mosquitoes turning your gutters into their private breeding pool
A mesh gutter guard easily blocks these unwanted guests from gaining access - in a simple and elegant way.
Damage from Debris Buildup
Ever tried carrying a bag of wet leaves? Now imagine your gutters trying to hold up that weight 24/7. When gutters get too heavy, bad things happen:
- They start sagging like a tired hammock
- Brackets bend and break
- The whole system can come crashing down (literally)
- Your roof edges become damaged from constant moisture exposure
Installing a leaf guard is like putting your gutters on a permanent diet - no more excessive weight.
Harvested Rainwater Contamination
For those of you collecting rainwater, unprotected gutters are like having a dirty filter in your water supply. Dead animals, and environmental pollutants will contaminate your water tank.
- Dead bugs, birds, and vermin
- Germ-infested leaf tea
- Sticky muck from airborne dust
- Anything that will rot after being carried by the wind
When installed correctly, mesh gutter guards keeps your harvested rainwater clean and clear -while minimising the risk of pathogens, allergens, and unwanted pollution.
Our Recommended Gutter Guard Systems
After decades of testing different gutter guard products, we recommend the following mesh materials (depending on budget and application):
Blue Mountain Co Steel gutter guard mesh
Superior strength and durability
- Can be installed on almost any roof
- Ember-guard compliant across all BALs (Bushfire Attack Level)
- Available in a range of COLORBOND® colours
Blue Mountain Co Aluminium gutter mesh
- Reliable protection against large and medium foliage
- Provides a good barrier against pests and vermin
- Ideal solution for limited budgets
- Range of COLORBOND® colours also available
GutterProtector® Foam Mesh
- Performs well under torrential rain flow
- UV resistant under Australia's hottest conditions
- Fire retardant tested to AS-1530-3-1999
- Prevents the growth of mold, mildew and seeds
Contact Us for a Gutter Guard Installation Quote
Are you ready to invest in a cost-effective and safe solution to clogged gutters? Our team of certified roof plumbers will ensure your leaf guard is installed properly, enabling storm water to flow efficiently through your gutters and away from your roof.
What you can expect when working with Roofrite:
- A friendly obligation-free chat
- Thorough check of your property
- Clear, honest quotes
- Expert installation
- Rock-solid warranty
- Support whenever you need it
We're ready to walk you through why a gutter guard is the best upgrade investment for your roof's gutter system. Don't wait for the next big storm to remind you why you need gutter guards. Get in touch with the Roofrite team today to add that extra layer of protection for your home.