Gutter Guard installation

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wallop

325 posts

Ultimate Geek

Topic # 113308 13-Jan-2013 09:30
Anyone had the gutter guard that is screwed to the roof installed? Does it work well? Anyone have a idea of the per metre cost? I'm thinking of something like this url=http://www.gutterprotect.co.nz/ Thanks wallop

bmoff

45 posts

Geek

Subscriber

Reply # 744013 13-Jan-2013 11:29
Looked into this quite recently after having our gutters replaced. The general consensus from several sources, including roofers and plumbers was not to do it. One guy who quoted on the gutter job actually offered it as an option but still didn't recommend it! While it will stop leaves getting into the gutter it doesn't stop the general buildup of dirt from dust etc over a period of time. This becomes very difficult to remove because you have effectively enclosed your guttering. They will tell you all you need to do is hose it out, easier said than done because the mesh effectively diffuses the water jet or it is self cleaning from rain, the fact that gutters do need cleaning periodically regardless tends to disprove that. Better just to bite the bullet occasionally and get up there and manually clean the gutter, if leaves are a big problem try one of the easy to remove solutions like gutter whiskers. Much cheaper too, it was going to cost over $5000 to have gutter guard installed at our place. Another thing I was never very impressed with the people that sell this stuff, hard sell types like some of the other door knockers that try to sell you vacuum cleaners and roof guard coatings etc.

wallop

325 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 744032 13-Jan-2013 12:10
Thanks for the reply. After looking at the various websites I thought they might try the hard sell. At the moment it is a weekly all year round job keeping the gutters I'm worried about clear. Might try some of the cheap stuff and see how it goes.

gzt

3196 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

Reply # 744043 13-Jan-2013 12:55
Are you using filters which block at the top of the downpipes? A different option is the leafslide type things. Another option is replacing the whole gutter system with the huge oversize type like magnum.

wallop

325 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 744085 13-Jan-2013 15:17
Thanks for pointing out the leaf slides. I had never heard of them before. Think I will try one around the back and see how it goes.

mattwnz

4241 posts

Uber Geek

Reply # 744096 13-Jan-2013 16:25
If a new roof, these types of systems potentially could void the roof warranty. Personally I have never had an issue with debris, you just reguarly clear them. Debris will likely still get in anyway.

Zeon

2367 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 744125 13-Jan-2013 17:26
It may be worth looking at the foam stuff. The first ones sucked but they now have been treated with anti fungal chemicals so you don't get the crap buildup. Probably would have to replace every 5 years or so though: http://gutterfoam.co.nz/ That and gutter whiskers are probably easier to maintain rather than the mesh which is a pretty permanent fixture.

wallop

325 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 744191 13-Jan-2013 20:05
Something else I had never heard of. I think the foam might be the way to go, I only have 12 metres to do so it looks like one pack will do the job. Thanks

mattwnz

4241 posts

Uber Geek

Reply # 744193 13-Jan-2013 20:11
The foam looks quite interesting. Depends though what dbris you get, as I get lots of little seeds/pollen and leaves which may get caught in it.

gzt

3196 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

Reply # 744199 13-Jan-2013 20:32
Looking at the gutterfoam product details it may depend what kind of debris you are dealing with how often it needs removal and cleaning. Imho small stuff is going to build up a bit. Larger items are going to dry up and blow off in theory. In the picture there is a bit of a lip left on the edge of the gutter in the profile which might collect some items. It is not safe for drinking water (probably due to the anti-fungal treatment) but being a good greenie type citizen I would not like to contribute that treatment to the stormwater either. Edit: They have videos showing operation but none showing what happens with debris types.

E3xtc

139 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 744347 14-Jan-2013 08:04
I was always a little sceptical about the whole leaf stop things that are screwed down over the roof - purely because the stuff that falls around us is not only large but also quite small particulate stuff. So stuff would still end up getting in and sitting in the gutters. I decided to just get the gutter wisker product and periodically jump on the roof (say once every 3 -6 months or so) and hose everything out. I think it is important to consider the type of matter that is falling on your roof - because what works for some might not work for others. eg pine neetles are totally different to manuka leaf etc