Gutter guards work to protect gutters overflowing due to heavy rainfall. However, some gutter guards do not work in heavy rain. Homeowners must consider local Australian weather conditions and climate factors when installing gutter guards.
So, do gutter guards work in heavy rain? Yes, but not all gutter guards. An integrated mesh system or gutter protection system will work in heavy downpours. However, other gutter guards like foam inserts, mesh panels and brush gutter guards are less effective.
Continue reading to learn how gutter guards work in heavy rain and which gutter guards are the best to improve water flow.
Do gutter guards work in heavy rain?
Gutter guards keep fallen leaves, twigs and other debris out of their gutter and downspout causing them to clog. They come in various forms, including flat mesh screens, brush gutter guards, vinyl guards, foam inserts and micro-mesh gutter protection systems. However, it does not necessarily protect property from heavy rain. The best gutter guards include a raised mesh design that blocks debris and permeates water no matter how many inches, which consists of an integrated gutter system.
Speak to us about getting ember guards installed for your home.
Why Do My Gutters Overflow in Heavy Rain?
Many homeowners install gutter guards to protect existing or new gutters from the overflow in any heavy downpour by keeping debris out of the gutter system. Water overflows occur when the flow is restricted or diverted within gutter systems. There are several reasons why rainfall overflows in gutters, but here are a few of the most common:
Read: What are the best gutter guards for Stracto gutters?
Clogged Gutters
Leaves, animal materials, dirt, debris, flowers and twigs from nearby trees cause blocked drains or overflowing waters. When clogs appear in gutters or downspouts, water is not diverted to the proper channels and instead pours out the side of the gutter. Clogs can also occur in winter, especially in alpine areas where ice dams form. Heavy rainfall or snow will cause the gutters to clog and overflow.
Damaged Gutters
Rust and sagging gutters cause leaks only worsen by further water damage from heavy rain. This is true of gutter systems, fascia boards or downspouts. Dark water stains and blue-green algae around the gutter are commonly seen in the damaged area.
Box Gutters
Box gutters are popular in modern house design but also effective in subtropic locations because they can handle heavy rain. The problem with these gutters is that downspouts are susceptible to clogging. If clogged, the gutter will pool with rainwater more quickly in heavy rain. Only specific gutter protection systems that use commercial-grade mesh will suit box gutters and the heaviest rainfall. Commercial-grade mesh is stronger and spans across the box gutters without sagging. Mesh that sags will cause blockages and perpetuate water pooling and overflow.
Gutter Detachment
Heavy rainfall damages gutters, which may loosen after the rain. Gutter detachment may occur if the gutter is incorrectly fixed or secured to the roof. In these cases, you may notice leakage from the start. However, gutter detachment may also occur due to damage, water pooling or bad weather. Water cannot be diverted and channelled correctly in these cases, and overflow is likely. A quality gutter protection system can strengthen a gutter system in areas that experience bad weather.
Unsuitable Gutter guards
Heavy rainfall damages gutters, which may loosen after the rain. Gutter detachment may occur if the gutter is incorrectly fixed or secured to the roof. In these cases, you may notice leakage from the start. However, gutter detachment may also occur due to damage, water pooling or bad weather. Water cannot be diverted and channelled correctly in these cases, and overflow is likely. A quality gutter protection system can strengthen a gutter system in areas that experience bad weather.
Ember guards
Ember guards work to prevent burning embers from entering the gutter system and igniting roofs and homes. Ember guards require a hole size of 2mm or less. However, the heaviest rainfall causes the water to sheet over the gutter guards. This is a problem for homes in BAL-rated areas that also will experience heavy rainfall. A quality ember guard with a water trough design and directional holes, such as Tuffmesh™ Emberguard and Guttermesh Emberguard, will prevent water sheeting and overflow in heavy rains and provide bushfire protection.
What Is The Best Gutter Guard For Heavy Rain?
There are many gutter guard types, but the best gutter guard an integrated gutter guard system, which Aussie Gutter Protection tailors to your property’s location and needs. An integrated mesh system can be tailored for bushfire protection, bird proofing and box gutters with various mesh products. Below are the products Aussie Gutter Protection recommends that can handle heavy rain:
An expanded aluminium with a diamond pattern 50% heavier to stop possums, vermin and birds. Huge benefits where wider material is required. Added strength to span wider areas.
Specifications:
- LWG: 6.25mm
- SWG: 4.25mm
- Manufactured AS3959-1999
- Strand Thickness: 0.7mm
- Hole Size: 3.5mm x 3.0mm
Features and benefits:
- 20 year material warranty
- AS4020 Accredited
- Suitable to BAL 29
- CSIRO Tested Flammability Index Zero
- Akzo Nobel D1010 powder coating
Premium-grade aluminium screening material. Installed on roofs in Australia for over 10 years. Highly recommended for domestic houses where leaves blow onto gutters causing blockages.
Guttermesh Aluminium is one of our most popular materials commonly used by tradespeople. Designed to keep leaves and debris out while allowing large volumes of water, this versatile product is suitable for all-around gutter protection.
Specifications:
- LWG: 6.25mm
- SWG: 4.35mm
- Hole Size: 3.5mm (average hole size)
- Plate thickness: 0.48mm
- Strand width: 0.7mm
Features and benefits:
- 15 Year Material Warranty
- CSIRO Tested Flammability Index Zero
- Complies with AS3959 – 2018 / Australian Bushfire Standards
- High quality Akzo Nobel D1010 powder coating
- Flexible Screening Material
Aussie gutter protection is a leader in the gutter protection industry, working with high-quality materials; products GutterMesh, TuffMesh, SteelMesh and SolarMesh; installation methods for leaf guard, bird proofing, rainwater harvesting, bushfire prevention and solar panel protection. AGP offers professional installation at affordable pricing to keep your gutters clean and ensure rainwater flows freely. Get a free consultation and the right gutter guard for your particular solution.
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