Gutter guards offer a range of benefits for many homeowners to protect their homes from clogged gutters, water damage, and other issues. Gutter guard systems are designed to provide comprehensive protection for gutters, ensuring they remain clear, functional, and protected against various potential threats.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of gutter guard systems for homeowners and discuss some factors to consider when choosing gutter guards.
What are the benefits of gutter guard?
- Prevents clogs & blocked gutters
- Reduce gutter cleaning & maintenance
- Improves water flow
- Prevents bird and pests infestations
- Optimising rainwater tank systems
- Increase gutter guard longevity and strength
- Improve property aesthetics
- Improves occupants safety
- Effective gutter guard protection
Prevents Clogs & Blocked Gutters
One of the key benefits of gutter guards is that they effectively prevent gutter blockages. Gutters with gutter guards installed stop leaves and other debris from quickly accumulating in the guttering systems, reducing their efficiency and increasing the risk of water damage to the home. Gutter guards provide a physical barrier preventing clogging by blocking these materials from entering the existing gutters, effectively channelling rainwater away from the home.
Gutter guards prevent water damage caused by overflowing gutters, clogged downspouts or a drain blockage in underground drains. By preventing leaves, debris, and other materials from entering the gutter system, gutter guards can help to ensure that rainwater is efficiently channelled away from the home, reducing the risk of overflowing and clogged downspouts.
In alpine and mountainous regions, gutter guards help to alleviate ice dams by preventing clogging in the gutter system and downspouts. Ice dams form when the snow melts on the roof and runs into the gutter system, where it can freeze and block stagnant water or moisture-ridden leaves.
Gutter guard systems can prevent ice dams by preventing clogging in the gutter system, reducing the risk of water backup and freezing in the gutters. By allowing water to flow freely through the gutter system and downspouts, gutter guard systems can help to reduce the risk of ice dam formation and the associated water damage.
See our TuffMesh® range.
Reduces Gutter Cleaning & Maintenance
Further benefits of gutter guards include significantly reducing the need for regular cleaning and maintenance. Gutter cleaning is an arduous and tedious task. Installing gutter guards saves many homeowners time and effort and reduces the risk of falls and other accidents associated with cleaning. Gutter guard protection systems effectively prevent blocked gutters ensuring that gutters remain clear and functional.
Gutter guards can reduce the amount of gutter maintenance required for gutters but do not eliminate the need for gutter maintenance. Even the best gutter guards are not 100% effective at preventing all debris, leaves, and other materials from entering the gutter system. Over time, some residue may accumulate in the gutter system, requiring cleaning to maintain efficiency and prevent clogging.
Additionally, gutter guards themselves may require cleaning and maintenance to remain effective. For example, some gutter guards may need to be cleared of accumulated debris on top of them or cleaned to remove any dirt or other materials collected on their surfaces.
Furthermore, even with gutter guards in place, it is still important to inspect the gutter system regularly to ensure it is functioning properly and to identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed. This may include checking for any damage to the gutter system, ensuring water flows properly through the gutters and downspouts, and checking for any signs of clogging or other issues.
Order a sample pack with commercial and standard gutter mesh samples.
Improves Gutter Water Flow
Gutter guards can also improve water flow through gutters and downspouts, reducing the risk of overflow and water damage. During heavy rainfall, gutters can become overwhelmed with water, leading to overflowing and clogged downspouts, which can cause water damage to the home. Gutter guards help prevent these issues by improving water flow through the gutter system.
Additionally, some gutter guard systems are designed with features that enhance their ability to handle heavy rain. For example, some high-quality ember guards have directional holes and water troughs. Other gutter meshes, like TuffMesh™ gutter guards, have large hole sizes that increase water flow but filter other debris, helping to prevent overflowing and clogged downspouts even during heavy rain.
Order a sample pack with commercial and standard gutter mesh samples.
Prevents Bird & Pest Infestations
Gutter guard systems can prevent birds from nesting in gutters by making it difficult for birds to access the gutter system. Birds are often attracted to gutters as a suitable place to build nests, which can result in clogged gutters and other issues.
Gutter guard systems can prevent birds from nesting in gutters by creating a physical barrier that makes it difficult for birds to enter the gutter system. For example, some gutter mesh systems made from mesh are too small for birds to penetrate, while others have a design that makes it difficult for birds to access the gutter and roof space.
Some gutter guard or leaf guard systems are designed with features that actively discourage birds from nesting in gutters. For example, some gutter guards have a sloping design that makes it difficult for birds to build nests in the gutter system, while others have a texture or surface that birds find unpleasant to touch or grip.
Gutter guard systems can be effective against insects by eliminating stagnant water sitting in the gutters. Many insects, such as mosquitoes, ants, and other pests, are attracted to standing water in gutters as a breeding ground. Insects lay their eggs in the stagnant water that accumulates in clogged gutters.
Gutter guard systems can be effective against vermin infestation by preventing rodents, such as rats and possums, from accessing the gutter system. Vermin are often attracted to gutters as a suitable place to build nests and forage for food and can cause significant damage to the gutter system and the home’s structure.
While gutter guard systems are highly effective against insects, possums and birds, they may not provide complete protection against mice and rats. This is because mice and rats are highly adaptable and can often find ways to access the gutter system, even with gutter guards in place.
Mice and rats can gnaw through various gutter guard materials, including plastic, vinyl and foam, and climb over or squeeze through gaps in gutter guard systems. Additionally, mice and rats can access the foundations and walls of the home.
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Optimise Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Regarding gutter guards that meet AS4020 drinking standards, choosing a product made from safe materials for drinking water systems is important. The AS4020 standard sets out strict requirements for the materials used in products that come into contact with drinking water, including metal gutter guards. The most commonly used materials for gutter guards that meet AS4020 drinking standards include aluminium, which uses high-quality powder coating.
These materials are safe for use in rainwater tank systems where water is used for consumption or use around the home. These gutter guards prevent contamination from leaves, other debris, and other materials that can enter the guttering system. When choosing a gutter guard for a drinking water system, it is important to ensure that it meets the requirements of the AS4020 standard and is made from safe, non-toxic materials that will not pose a risk to the quality of the drinking water.
ScreenTech’s TuffMesh™ Aluminium meets AS4020 drinking water standards and is commercial-grade and suitable for all roof and gutter types.
Increases Gutters Longevity & Strengths
By preventing clogging and reducing the need for regular cleaning, complex gutter protection systems can also increase the longevity of gutters and downspouts, helping protect the home’s investment. High-quality complex gutter protection systems, made from durable materials, can effectively prevent clogging and increase the longevity of gutters.
Gutter guards can strengthen gutters in several ways, depending on the gutter guard used. Some gutter guards are designed to reinforce the structure of the gutter itself, helping to prevent sagging and other forms of damage that can occur over time. For example, gutter guards made from sturdy materials such as stainless steel or aluminium can support the gutter system, helping prevent sagging and other damage caused by heavy rain or snow.
Another way that gutter guards can strengthen gutters is by preventing clogging and improving water flow through the gutter system. Clogged gutters can place additional stress on the gutter system, increasing the risk of sagging and other forms of damage. By preventing clogging and improving water flow, gutter guards can help to reduce the stress on the gutter system, strengthening it and extending its lifespan.
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Improve Property Aesthetics
Gutter guard systems can improve property aesthetics by enhancing the gutter system’s appearance and the home’s overall look. Additionally, some gutter guard systems are designed to be virtually invisible, blending in with the roofline and the home’s exterior. This helps maintain the home’s natural look while still providing the functional benefits of a gutter guard system.
Colorbond® gutter guards are considered superior for aesthetics for several reasons. Colorbond® is a well-known and respected brand in Australia, known for producing high-quality building products, including gutter guards. Colorbond® gutter guards are pre-painted, powder-coated materials known for their durability and resistance to fading, chipping, and peeling.
Colorbond® gutter guards are ideal for homeowners who want a gutter guard system that will look good for years. Colorbond® gutter guards come in a range of colours that match roofing and cladding products, making it easy for homeowners to choose a gutter guard system that complements the colour of their roof and gutters. This can enhance the home’s overall look and improve property aesthetics.
Improves Occupant Safety
Gutter protection systems improve the safety of the occupants by reducing the need for regular cleaning and maintenance of gutters, reducing the risk of falls and other accidents associated with gutter cleaning.
Working at heights around the home can be dangerous for several reasons. One of the primary risks associated with working at heights is the risk of falls. Falls from heights can result in severe injury or death. Leaf guards prevent ladder accidents or issues with moisture-laden debris at elevated surfaces, increasing the risk of falls.
Effective Bushfire Protection
Ember guard is designed explicitly for bushfire protection. An ember guard system prevents lighted embers from entering the gutter system.
Ember guard and gutter guard are two distinct types of gutter protection systems designed for specific purposes. An ember guard protects the home against ember attacks during bushfires. In contrast, a gutter guard is designed to prevent gut clogging and improve rainwater management systems’ efficiency. Ember guards but be made from fire-resistant materials, including aluminium, steel and bronze. High-quality ember guards have a trough to ensure gutters do not overflow.
The key differences in ember guard requirements in different bushfire-prone (Bal) rated areas are determined by the risk associated with each area. In Australia, buildings in bushfire-prone areas are assigned a bushfire attack level (BAL) rating based on the threat posed by bushfires.
The BAL rating determines the required level of protection for buildings and structures, including the requirement for ember guard systems. Higher BAL ratings indicate a higher level of risk, so a higher level of protection is required.
For example, in areas with a BAL-LOW rating, ember guard systems may not be required, while in areas with a BAL-FZ (flame zone) rating, ember guard systems may be required to provide complete protection against embers and radiant heat. In areas with a BAL-40 or BAL-29 rating, ember guard systems may be required to provide partial protection against embers and radiant heat.
It is important to note that building codes and regulations for ember guard systems in bushfire-prone areas can vary between states and territories in Australia. We recommend consulting with local authorities and fire services to determine the specific requirements for each area.
At Screen Tech, we firmly recommend an integrated mesh system as the most effective and durable gutter guard solution.
Screen Tech has over 20 years in the gutter protection industry, with extensive knowledge of gutter guard installation, roofing and building management for your gutter guard job. We have an extensive range of aluminium, poly and steel mesh products that can fit any Stratco gutter. We supply roofing companies and gutter guard installers across Australia with affordable delivery options.
Use our gutter guard estimation services to quote your next project, or call our expert team for advice and assistance for your gutter guard job.
Integrated mesh guards can come in various materials, such as ScreenTech’s GutterMesh and TuffMesh® ranges, including aluminium, Colorbond® steel, and poly. Each range includes
Want to know more? ScreenTech sends gutter guard samples and guides to architects and discusses projects and considerations.
ScreenTech’s TuffMesh® range is the best commercial-grade gutter guard in Australia. It is only available for professional installation and not as a DIY option.
Look no further than ScreenTech’s TuffMesh®, GutterMesh, SteelMesh and SolarMesh products. Our mesh suits Klip-Lok®, Timdeck® corrugated roof types and tiled roofs. Get in touch with a ScreenTech installation partner today.
