Gutters are an essential part of a roof, and if they become blocked, they can cause significant damage to your home. Gutter mesh is a type of filter and, like all filters, requires ongoing maintenance to continue working properly.
Professional Installation
A professional gutter mesh installation Adelaide is effective at keeping leaves and debris out of your gutters, but it’s important to choose the right style for your situation. Generally, aluminium mesh is a good choice for most situations as it’s corrosion-resistant and can handle high rainfall amounts. You’ll also want to ensure that the mesh is CSIRO-rated for bushfire-prone areas. It is important as a CSIRO-rated ember mesh has a smaller hole aperture and prevents the small embers that cause over 70% of homes lost to bushfire from getting through.
A professional can help you choose the right style and ensure it’s properly installed. The installer can measure each gutter length and then cut the mesh to size with a pair of scissors or tin snips. It helps to save time and reduce the potential for mistakes. Additionally, professionals have the necessary tools and equipment on hand to complete the job quickly and efficiently.
If you’re thinking of installing a gutter mesh, remember that it will still need regular maintenance with a high-pressure water cleaner. The ‘no cleaning required’ claims from most gutter mesh salespeople are not true. The gutter mesh will need to be cleaned and flushed regularly to avoid fine silt build-up. If your gutters require cleaning more than three times per year, they’re probably not worth the cost of mesh installation.
Safety
Gutter guards are designed to cut down on the time between cleanings, and they can also help reduce the risk of damage to your home. They’re made from materials like stainless steel or aluminium fashioned into a wire mesh pattern that keeps large leaves and debris out of your gutters. The mesh can also be used to keep out small twigs and branches that would otherwise block the flow of rainwater.
Some manufacturers also produce more specialised products, such as metal leaf protection systems that prevent rust and corrosion and gutter covers for terracotta tile roofs. These are more expensive but can save you the cost of regular cleanings.
DIY gutter mesh is available in an array of Colorbond colours, allowing you to match it to your roof and gutters for a seamless finish. You’ll need to clean your roof and gutters before installing these, and you should measure the length of your gutters to make sure the mesh, trims and saddles you buy are the right size.
Saves You Time
If you’re thinking of doing a DIY gutter mesh installation Adelaide, it’s important to consider the amount of time and effort you will spend on this task. Depending on your roof, the complexity of your roof edges, and the type of gutter guards, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. You will also need to purchase the necessary materials and tools, which can add up quickly.
You will also need to invest in ladders that are rated for your home and that meet safety standards. It will reduce your risk of injury as you work on a ladder. It’s also wise to have someone helping you on the ladder with tools and support, as this minimises the number of times you need to ascend and descend, minimising your chances of falling or misplacing a foot. You should also attach a bucket to the ladder so you can keep the debris and trash you remove from your roof and gutters.
Gutter guards, or gutter screens, come in various styles that vary widely in quality of material, aperture size and how they are installed. They are often ruthlessly marketed to homeowners as something that prevents them from needing to clean their gutters; however, like all filters, they will need regular cleaning to function effectively. The more leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris that get into your gutters, the less effective your gutter guard will be.