With summer around the corner, you may already be making a list of all the necessary maintenance tasks that need to be done before then. One of these might include roof cleaning.
Since roof maintenance is most likely not on the average person’s summer to-do list, it’s always a good idea to make the process as simple as possible. An effective way to do this is to opt for the gutter guard installation Melbourne residents are using to take the stress out of roof maintenance.
Simplify Roof Maintenance
There’s no need to dread roof maintenance. Installing gutter guards is an excellent way to reduce the amount of cleaning up you need to do once you’re on the roof. That in itself should be reason enough to invest in gutter guards, but, if you’re still not convinced, we urge you to keep reading as we share a few more ways they will make roof maintenance so much easier.
1. Minimises Time Spent on Maintenance
Roof maintenance is hard work and depending on the condition of your gutters, the clean-up can be quite time-consuming. You can avoid this by installing gutter guards. Since they’re placed over the open gutters, they collect a lot of the leaves and debris that would ordinarily clog up the insides of your downpipes.
Although smaller leaves and dust can still get into the gutters, it will be considerably easier to clean. Most debris will just blow off the top of the gutter guards, but cleaning off the top of your gutter is as easy as brushing it off with a hard brush.
2. Reduces the Usual Corrosion
During the rainy season, leaves, twigs, and other debris build up in the gutter. If this gunk isn’t removed timeously, it can easily cause the gutters to start corroding and eventually rusting. When this happens, your gutters will need to be replaced, which can be quite costly.
With gutter guards catching the bulk of the leaves and debris, these items don’t fall into the gutter. This, in turn, will reduce the risk of rust and corrosion. It’s important to remember that damaged or water-filled gutters can also cause water damage to your home’s walls, the roof, and eventually the fascia roof boards.
By just doing the basics, you will keep your gutters clean and slow down any potential damage. Since gutter repairs and replacements can be expensive, this simple installation can make a significant difference.
3. Adds an Extra Layer of Fire Protection
Some parts of Australia are well known for their unusually high risk of bushfires. People living in these parts will know that it often only takes a small ember and some dry leaves to spread a bushfire to your property. Since a gutter guard keeps the bulk of leaves out, there’s less risk of flying embers finding anything to burn.
4. Keeps the Critters Out
Another common reason for people to invest in gutter guards is the protection they offer against those dreaded summer critters. Birds and rodents are notorious for building nests in gutters. The main reason for this is the availability of dry debris for nesting and pooled water for drinking.
It’s only a matter of time for these pests to make their way to your fascia boards and lose roof tiles, instantly finding access to the inside of your home. Prevent them from moving into the gutter in the first place by installing gutter guards to keep them out.
5. Variety of Gutter Guard Options
Gutter guards are available in a wide variety of options, making it easy to find the perfect type for your roof and gutters. Most Australian roof types rely on one of the following options:
- Box guard: These types of gutter guards are well suited to concealed or box-shaped gutters. Guards can be adjusted to fit any size gutter.
- Poly guard: If you have water tanks or barrels used to harvest rainwater, then the poly guard box guard type is the perfect option. These guards don’t only work as a gutter guard but also as a filter between your gutters and your tanks.
- Leaf guard: If you’re primarily struggling with leaves in your gutters, then this gutter guard is an ideal option.
- External mesh: Steel or plastic gutters require external mesh gutters to be effective.
- Internal mesh: This is the most popular gutter guard option because it’s ideal for most gutters and is also considerably more cost-effective.
If you’re not sure about the type of gutter guards best suited to your home, the good news is that your local roofing contractor will be able to recommend an option. They will also advise you on the best ways to maintain the guards to ensure that you have minimal roof maintenance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for ways to spend more time enjoying your free summer days, and less time working on roof maintenance, the secret is to install gutter guards all around your roof. Keeping your roof and gutters maintained has never been easier!