Roofer - How To Prevent Blocked Gutters

Roofing Advice & Tips - How To Prevent Blocked Gutters?

Why Is It Important To Prevent Gutters Getting Blocked?

Proper maintenance of gutters keeps them in working order and protects your home from water but cleaning gutters can be hazardous and messy. There are products available to make maintaining gutters easier for a homeowner and prevent the buildup of leaves and debris in the gutter.

How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned?

Gutters should be cleaned of leaves and debris at least once a year and possibly more if you have overhanging trees. It is best to clean gutters in Autumn after the leaves have fallen and before the first frost. If a buildup of debris blocks the gutter and standing water freezes in the gutter, it may damage the gutter. Another problem with a buildup of leaves in the gutter is that it may block the gutter and prevent proper drainage. Signs of a blocked gutter include overflow from a gutter section, reduced water exiting the downspout or water draining between gutter and fascia.

Preventing Blocked Gutters With Gutter Leaf Guards

There are many different types of gutter guards that will prevent a buildup of leaves in the gutter and since they are inserted into the gutter, they are invisible from below and do not affect the aesthetic of the gutter. One easy do-it-yourself step is to place a wire balloon or crushed chicken wire over the downspout hole. Although this will not prevent a buildup of leaves in the gutter, it will prevent blockages in the downspout. You will need to clear this wire more often than once a year to keep the water flowing easily.

Alternative Gutter Leaf Guards For Prevention of Blocked Gutters

Another alternative is to place some type of leaf guard on the length of the gutter that blocks the leaves from entering but allows the water to flow through smaller holes. It is best to install these guards immediately after a thorough cleaning. One type of gutter guard is an open cell foam strip that sits just inside the top of the gutter and collects leaves and debris on the surface of the foam. The foam is treated with a biocide and fungicide to prevent the growth or mould, mildew, fungus, algae and moss. Installation of the foam guard is easy since it just needs to be trimmed to fit inside the gutter.

Other Types Of Gutter Leaf Guard

Another type of leaf guard is a metal or plastic grid that sits on top of the gutter edges and usually has clips that keep it attached to the outside of the gutter. These grids are usually treated to handle harsh conditions such as salt water. One last type of leaf guard is a long bristled flat brush that sits in the bottom of the gutter. The long bristles hold up any debris that enters the gutter while allowing water to pass through. This system is easy to clean by lifting out and shaking to remove debris.

Things To Remember About Gutter Leaf Guards

All leaf guards on gutters will still require cleaning to remove any buildup of leaves and debris but since they create a flat surface, there will be none of the scooping and digging usually required when cleaning an unprotected gutter.