Should I Clean My Gutter Guards or Should I Have the Mesh Removed?
Taking care of gutter systems is such a crucial aspect of home ownership that is often overlooked. If you have gutter guards on your gutters, you’ve already taken a step in the right direction towards proper gutter care. In saying that, do you know when it’s time to have your gutter mesh cleaned or replaced?
Gutters can only do their job effectively if they’re kept clean and free from blockages. Gutter guards are in place to protect gutters and keep them clear, so knowing when your gutter guard needs a little TLC is going to ensure your gutters can do their thing and protect your home. So, should you clean your gutter guards or have the mesh removed and replaced altogether? Let’s find out.
The importance of maintaining gutter guards
Gutter guards are designed to prevent leaves, dirt, tennis balls, bird nests, and other debris from clogging your gutters. They play a vital role in ensuring water flows freely through the drainage system, helping to avoid overflow, which can cause extensive water damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and roofing with incredibly costly consequences.
Even though they can go quite a while between cleans and replacements, gutter guards aren’t always a ‘set-and-forget’ solution. Over time, debris can accumulate on top of or even inside the mesh, especially in particularly leafy areas or during seasons with heavy rainfall. If left unchecked, this debris build-up can reduce the efficiency of your gutter guards, causing blockages and preventing water from flowing properly. That’s why regular cleaning and inspections are essential for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of gutter guards.
Gutter guard maintenance: clean or replace? Know the signs: debris buildup, damage, sagging. Expert advice & safe gutter cleaning. Call us!
What are the signs that your gutter guards need cleaning?
Here are some common signs that your gutter guards may need a good clean…
Overflowing water
If you notice water spilling over the sides of your gutters when it’s raining, it’s a good indication that your gutter guards (and gutters) are clogged.
Visible debris
If you can see significant build-up of dirt, leaves, mildew, or branches sitting on your gutter mesh, call your local gutter cleaning experts so they can give your gutter guards a clean.
Sagging mesh
When debris piles up and becomes heavy, the gutter mesh may start to sag under the weight. This should be cleaned up ASAP to reduce the risk of needing to have them replaced sooner than expected. Without maintenance many gutter guards will ‘cave in’ to the gutter floor.
Pooling water
If water isn’t being channelled away from your home as it should be, you may notice water pooling near the foundations. This can lead to all manner of major issues, many of them requiring costly repairs to your home.
We recommend regular inspections and cleaning – ideally once a year or more – to keep your gutter guards in top condition.
When should I consider removing and replacing gutter mesh?
In some cases, a simple clean may not be enough, and it’s better to replace the gutter mesh entirely. But how do you know when it’s time to do that?
Damaged mesh
If your gutter mesh has more than one split or tear for every 5 metres, this is a good guideline for the decision to replace it. Too many tears may be a strong indication that the mesh is no longer doing its job properly and needs replacing. We have experienced Gutter Guard Fitters who know all the correct procedures for replacing gutter mesh.
Deterioration
Over time, weather exposure (especially in the heat of the Australian climate) can cause the mesh to wear down. If the material is thinning, brittle, or has rusted, it’s time to think about replacing it entirely.
Loose or dislodged mesh
If many sections of the mesh have become dislodged or loose, they won’t be able to prevent debris from entering the gutter system. This is a sign that the mesh has likely reached the end of its lifespan.
If your gutter guards are facing these issues, it may be a good idea to consider professional advice about having them replaced. A gutter guard expert can assess the condition of your gutter mesh and recommend whether a clean, repair, or complete replacement is the best course of action.
DIY gutter guard cleaning vs professional help
If you’re comfortable working at heights and have the necessary tools, you may opt to clean your gutter guards yourself. This can save you some money upfront, but it can also take a lot of time and potentially be dangerous, especially if your home has more than one storey.
Calling in the pros ensures the job is done thoroughly and safely. A professional gutter cleaner can also inspect the overall condition of your gutter system, identifying any issues that might require further attention, such as damaged mesh or poorly installed sections.
Need help with your gutter guards? Contact Leafbusters today on 1300 GUTTER (1300 488 837) for expert advice on gutter guard cleaning, maintenance, and replacement solutions.
