Gutters overflowing what’s the best method of protecting from leaves

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Gutters overflowing what’s the best method of protecting from leaves

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

2427 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2708847 18-May-2021 09:55

Technofreak:
One method that I've seen and probably works well (depending on leaf size) is to have a diverter system on the down pipe.

Like this https://productspec.co.nz/en/product/curve-leaf-diverter/51677/ or this

https://www.marley.co.nz/products/rainwater/rain-harvesting/rainhead-diverters/ positioned either directly below the spouting dropper or further down the wall with the down pipe outlet dropping onto the mesh.

They are self cleaning though you will have to pick up the leaves from time to time. They should stop having to climb onto the roof to clean the gutters. Though I suspect a lot of spouting isn't fitted with sufficient fall to get the water flowing at a rate to carry the leaves along to the dropper.

That looks an interesting idea. Do you have one yourself, or does anyone? As you say, would it allow enough flow to move wet leaves if the gutter is not on a slant. Under ordinary circumstances with just neighbours leaves falling into gutters it could be efficient so would be worth considering on the other side of the house where gutters are unreachable.

The tree, which I so strategically planted many years ago is directly in front of the downpipe and towers a few meters over it so it drops its leaves straight in. The foam idea made me think of crunching up some chicken wire which I have a lot of into 1 meter lengths and placing it proud inside the full length of gutter so that it can be fished off the roof from the ground with a hooked pole. Not sure how returning it back to the gutter after cleaning it would work though.

Technofreak

6530 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2708895 18-May-2021 10:55

Eva888:

That looks an interesting idea. Do you have one yourself, or does anyone? As you say, would it allow enough flow to move wet leaves if the gutter is not on a slant. Under ordinary circumstances with just neighbours leaves falling into gutters it could be efficient so would be worth considering on the other side of the house where gutters are unreachable.

The tree, which I so strategically planted many years ago is directly in front of the downpipe and towers a few meters over it so it drops its leaves straight in. The foam idea made me think of crunching up some chicken wire which I have a lot of into 1 meter lengths and placing it proud inside the full length of gutter so that it can be fished off the roof from the ground with a hooked pole. Not sure how returning it back to the gutter after cleaning it would work though.

No I don't have one. I first saw one on a motel in town and though it was a good idea. I think they would work very well but may not be the right solution in all circumstances.

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

duckDecoy

896 posts

Ultimate Geek

Subscriber

#2708917 18-May-2021 11:23

Eva888:

That looks an interesting idea. Do you have one yourself, or does anyone? As you say, would it allow enough flow to move wet leaves if the gutter is not on a slant. Under ordinary circumstances with just neighbours leaves falling into gutters it could be efficient so would be worth considering on the other side of the house where gutters are unreachable.

The tree, which I so strategically planted many years ago is directly in front of the downpipe and towers a few meters over it so it drops its leaves straight in. The foam idea made me think of crunching up some chicken wire which I have a lot of into 1 meter lengths and placing it proud inside the full length of gutter so that it can be fished off the roof from the ground with a hooked pole. Not sure how returning it back to the gutter after cleaning it would work though.

We've got a few. On the garage and the back of the house there is a long downpipe that then discharges into one of these. Works fine, although does get slimey and gunky and needs cleaning a couple times per year.

On the front of the house the gutters are about 7ft up and discharge into the gutter guard immediately underneath the gutters. This blocks all the damned time, leaves get on there but don't wash off as the falling water "pressure" isn't enough and then ALL the water just pours onto our patio. I have to go out and clear the leaves off to get it going again.

JohnDunlop

16 posts

Geek

#2708932 18-May-2021 12:12

I have helped install gumleaf gutterguard steel mesh

https://www.gumleaf.co.nz/

It works well as leaf, bird, rodent and snow protection.

If a trapdoor is fitted at the end of the spouting run opposite the downpipe then small particles can be flushed out of the gutter easily.

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#2708940 18-May-2021 12:29

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/gutter-boss-extendable-gutter-cleaner-2-1m/p/322880

I use this, but the 2.7m version. And I tied a broom handle to it for even more reach.
Works a treat , but you get very wet using it . And a bit hard to control as it moves about a bit , but ok once hooked over the gutter.

I also have a fitting for the downpipe that diverts the rubbish away from the drains when cleaning with that extendable cleaner

gzt

17104 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2708941 18-May-2021 12:29

Eva888:
Technofreak:
One method that I've seen and probably works well (depending on leaf size) is to have a diverter system on the down pipe.

Like this https://productspec.co.nz/en/product/curve-leaf-diverter/51677/ or this

https://www.marley.co.nz/products/rainwater/rain-harvesting/rainhead-diverters/
That looks an interesting idea. Do you have one yourself, or does anyone?

I have the Marley version. It's a terrible design. Fine debris accumulates and causes the filter to give way into the downpipe. Alternately, water pressure plus debris will cause weight to be applied with the same result. Terrible failure mode. Bad design execution. Regular cleaning does not prevent issues.

gzt

17104 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2708949 18-May-2021 12:36

1101:
https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/gutter-boss-extendable-gutter-cleaner-2-1m/p/322880

I use this, but the 2.7m version. And I tied a broom handle to it for even more reach.
Works a treat , but you get very wet using it . And a bit hard to control as it moves about a bit , but ok once hooked over the gutter.

There are risks with these. Spraying water under the eaves for example. The metal end is capable of scraping the gutter meaning creating additional surface for accumulation.

Equinox IT

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.

gzt

17104 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2708951 18-May-2021 12:38

Eva888: Climbed up and unblocked the down pipe from leaves of the tree that overhangs close to it and which I don’t want to get rid of as it shields from the Southerly.

Downpipe problem only? Easily solved with a leaf screen diverter as linked above.

Technofreak

6530 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2708954 18-May-2021 12:42

1101:

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/gutter-boss-extendable-gutter-cleaner-2-1m/p/322880

I use this, but the 2.7m version. And I tied a broom handle to it for even more reach.
Works a treat , but you get very wet using it . And a bit hard to control as it moves about a bit , but ok once hooked over the gutter.

I also have a fitting for the downpipe that diverts the rubbish away from the drains when cleaning with that extendable cleaner

I've got one of these which I bought to do the spouting at my parents house. I rarely need it where we are as the spouting generally stays free of leaves. You do get quite wet using it but they work well. I also take off the down pipes when using it to stop debris getting into them and blocking them.

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#2708955 18-May-2021 12:47

gzt:
1101:

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/gutter-boss-extendable-gutter-cleaner-2-1m/p/322880

I use this, but the 2.7m version. And I tied a broom handle to it for even more reach.
Works a treat , but you get very wet using it . And a bit hard to control as it moves about a bit , but ok once hooked over the gutter.

There are risks with these. Spraying water under the eaves for example. The metal end is capable of scraping the gutter meaning creating additional surface for accumulation.

True.
But less risk than me climbing onto the roof , standing/sitting at the very edge and manually cleaning out accumulation . A fall would be broken bones (or worse).

High wind would also blow water under the eaves I'd imagine ? . A one off every year or so isnt going to hurt , if done in summer when water ingress would dry out quickly.

Eva888

2427 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2708979 18-May-2021 13:18

JohnDunlop:
I have helped install gumleaf gutterguard steel mesh

https://www.gumleaf.co.nz/

It works well as leaf, bird, rodent and snow protection.

If a trapdoor is fitted at the end of the spouting run opposite the downpipe then small particles can be flushed out of the gutter easily.

What do you mean by trap door. Is it an available product to insert or a DIY job. Thanks.

traderstu

332 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2709010 18-May-2021 14:12

Well, I hate overflowing gutters more than I love trees. There must be other ways to get a bit of protection from the southerly. If it was me the tree would be gone.

Eva888

2427 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2709050 18-May-2021 15:37

traderstu:
Well, I hate overflowing gutters more than I love trees. There must be other ways to get a bit of protection from the southerly. If it was me the tree would be gone.

True, but you haven’t experienced our wild Southerlies. That tree protects the tiny garden we have managed to cultivate which would be flattened without it. I’ve already had to grudgingly cut down a tree planted for privacy reasons on the north side, also very strategically planted...precisely over the drains. Unblocking drains from roots cost $500, tree went and then the drainlayer said it wouldn’t really help as the roots would still keep growing!

eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
8846 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#2709107 18-May-2021 17:12

I have the Marley version. It's a terrible design. Fine debris accumulates and causes the filter to give way into the downpipe. Alternately, water pressure plus debris will cause weight to be applied with the same result. Terrible failure mode. Bad design execution. Regular cleaning does not prevent issues.

I watch the linked video linked above and thought that this looks very good - but also thought that the supplied mesh looked way too fine.

Would it work better if the mesh was replaced with something like a 10 x 10 mm metal or plastic mesh? Then leaves would still get stopped - without clogging - but the water would get through.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

gzt

17104 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2709128 18-May-2021 17:56

Not really. The design execution problems are more fundamental. It's just not a set and forget solution.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5