Sofia Martinez
Gutter guards are a great way to keep your home's gutters clear of debris, such as leaves and twigs, and to prevent blockages. There are several types of gutter guards available, including gutter screens, gutter covers, leaf guards, and gutter fillers. When installing gutter guard plastic mesh, it is important to first clean and repair your gutters, and ensure you have the correct measurements and colours to match your roof and gutters. The mesh can then be cut to size, with an overlap of at least 1/2 inch, and fastened to the roof using screws or by clipping it into place.
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What You'll Learn
- Measure the gutter length and add 250-500mm for overlap and cutting errors
- Choose the correct mesh colour to match your roof and gutters
- Clean and repair gutters before installing gutter guards
- Fasten the mesh to the roof by screwing in saddles or clips
- Inspect your gutters twice a year for blockages and damage
Measure the gutter length and add 250-500mm for overlap and cutting errors
When installing gutter guard plastic mesh, it is important to measure the length of your gutter accurately. Before ordering the mesh, ensure you have the correct measurements of the gutters you will be installing it on. This is crucial, as you want to ensure the mesh fits perfectly and securely.
To do this, measure each gutter length from the ground. If you need to measure from the roof, exercise extreme caution. For added safety, you can measure from a ladder that is secured in place.
Once you have the gutter length measurement, add an extra 250-500mm to this measurement. This additional length is to allow for overlap and any errors that may occur during cutting. Overlap may be necessary when joining the mesh sections together, and it also provides a buffer if you need to trim the mesh to fit the gutter length exactly.
For example, if your gutter is 540cm long, cut the mesh at around 545cm, and then you can trim it back later if needed. This way, you avoid cutting off too much and being left with a gap at the end of the gutter. It is always better to have a little extra mesh that you can trim, rather than not having enough to cover the entire gutter.
By following these measurement and cutting guidelines, you can ensure your gutter guard plastic mesh will be the correct length and securely installed.
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Choose the correct mesh colour to match your roof and gutters
When choosing the colour of your gutter guard mesh, it is important to consider the style and shape of your roof, the amount of exposed gutters, and the overall style of your home. While most gutters will not be visible from ground level, some areas may be exposed due to sloping roof styles. Therefore, you should consider whether you want your gutters to stand out or blend in with the rest of your home's exterior.
One popular option is to match the gutter colour with the roof, creating a seamless and cohesive look. This approach is especially effective when the fascia and trim are visually prominent or artistic. Matching the gutters with the roof is also a good choice for modern and contemporary homes without trim, as it allows the gutters to blend in with the roof. If you have a custom roof colour or one that contains multiple colours, you can choose the most prominent colour and match your gutters to it.
Alternatively, you can choose a gutter colour that complements your roof and the overall colour palette of your home's exterior, including the siding, trim, and other architectural elements. Consider whether you want your gutters to stand out or be unnoticeable, and choose a colour that suits the style of your home. For example, bold colours are better suited to modern homes, while neutral colours match classic and character homes. You should also take into account the surrounding environment, such as landscaping, foliage, and neighbouring properties, and choose a gutter colour that blends harmoniously.
There are a variety of gutter guard mesh colours available to match common roof colours, and custom colours can also be sourced if needed. The Colourbond Colour Chart is a great resource to find the perfect colour for your gutters. You can also request colour samples to take home and compare them against your house to ensure you find the best match.
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Clean and repair gutters before installing gutter guards
Gutters are designed to carry water away from the edges of your roof so that it doesn't erode the soil around your home's foundation. When clogged with leaves, twigs, branches, or other debris, they can fail and dump water where it shouldn't be. Gutter guards are a great way to reduce the frequency and difficulty of gutter cleaning, but your gutters and guards will still need to be cleaned and maintained occasionally.
Before installing gutter guards, it is important to thoroughly clean and repair your gutters. Start by spraying your gutters clean with a hose to remove any large debris. Next, use a ladder to reach the gutters and stabilise it before climbing up. Brush away any remaining debris and check for damage. Examine the guards to determine if they are snapped into place or held with screws. If they are screwed in, loosen the screws with a screwdriver. If they are snapped into place, carefully pry apart the snapped-together edges with a screwdriver. As you lift away gutter guard sections, lower them gently to avoid bending them. Once the guards are removed, scoop out any remaining dirt and debris from the gutters.
If your gutter guards are battered or failing, it is best to replace them with new ones. If your gutters are damaged, refer to the gutter protection system manufacturer's instructions for specific repair steps. If you are unsure about any part of the cleaning or repair process, it is best to contact a specialist.
Before ordering your gutter mesh, ensure you have the correct measurements of the gutters you want to install them on. It is important to add 250-500mm to each gutter length measurement to allow for overlap and errors when cutting the mesh.
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Fasten the mesh to the roof by screwing in saddles or clips
When installing gutter guard plastic mesh, it is important to fasten the mesh to the roof securely. This can be done by screwing in saddles or clips. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:
Firstly, ensure you have the correct equipment. You will need a drill, screws, and either saddles or clips. It is important to use corrosion-resistant bolts or screws to prevent rust and ensure the longevity of your installation. Select an appropriate drill bit that corresponds to the size of your screws.
Next, determine the placement of the saddles or clips. They should be attached to every second flute or corrugation of the mesh. Mark these locations with a pencil to ensure uniform spacing. If you are installing 2mm Woven EmberGuard, remember to create a small relief "V" on every second flute where the saddles will be installed.
Now you are ready to start fastening the mesh. Place a saddle or clip in the designated position and use your drill to drive the screw through it and into the roof decking. Ensure that the screws are tight enough so they do not work themselves loose over time. Repeat this process for each marked location.
Finally, review your work. Check that all saddles or clips are securely fastened and that the mesh is firmly attached to the roof. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a snug fit.
By following these steps, you will effectively fasten the gutter guard plastic mesh to your roof, providing protection and ensuring the longevity of your gutters.
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Inspect your gutters twice a year for blockages and damage
Gutter guards are an effective way to prevent debris from entering your gutters and causing blockages and damage. However, it is still important to regularly inspect and clean your gutters to ensure they are functioning correctly and to prevent costly repairs.
Inspect your gutters at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This is important because spring cleaning removes any debris accumulated during the winter, such as leaves and twigs, which can cause blockages. Fall cleaning tackles the influx of leaves and other foliage. If your home is surrounded by trees or heavy foliage, you may need to inspect and clean your gutters more frequently to prevent buildup.
In addition to regular inspections, it is recommended to inspect your gutters after significant weather events, such as heavy storms, when you notice signs of blockage or damage. Heavy storms can deposit large amounts of debris in your gutters and cause potential damage. After a storm, check for debris and any signs of damage, such as sagging or pooling water.
When inspecting your gutters, be sure to check the downspouts to ensure they are clear by running water through them. If the water doesn't flow freely, use a tool like a plumber's snake or a high-pressure hose attachment to clear any blockages. Also, inspect for leaks, and use gutter sealant to fix any small leaks.
If you are uncomfortable with heights or ladders, or if your home is particularly tall, consider hiring a professional to inspect and clean your gutters. Professionals have the experience and tools to thoroughly clean and identify any potential issues that you might overlook.
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Frequently asked questions
Gutter guards are a type of gutter protection system that helps keep large debris, such as leaves and twigs, from clogging your gutters.
Before selecting a gutter guard, inspect your gutters to determine what type of debris they typically collect. Leaves and twigs are relatively easy to filter out, but smaller debris like tree buds, evergreen needles, and seeds may require a different type of gutter guard.
Before installing gutter guards, thoroughly clean and repair your gutters. It's also important to have the correct measurements of your gutters and check that the colour of the mesh, trims, and saddles match your roof and gutters.
Fasten the mesh to the roof by screwing in the saddles or clips to every second flute or corrugation. If you are installing a 2mm Woven EmberGuard, you will need to create a small relief "v" on every second flute where the saddles are installed.
You will likely need a ladder to access your gutters. For a two-story home, an extension ladder may be necessary. You will also need tools for fastening the gutter guards, such as screws and a screwdriver.
