So you have decided to protect your home from the damage that can occur from a clogged gutter by installing a gutter guard system around the property. It is a wise choice. Not only does a gutter guard protect against the potential water damage that can occur from a backed-up gutter but will also save you those dreaded hours of cleaning out debris on a weekend afternoon.
In our last blog, we showed you the various options you have available when it comes to choosing the perfect gutter guard for your home, so now we thought we would take a look at the various costs involved in installing these. Many people opt for the cheapest option when it comes to gutter guards however whilst it might save some dollars in the short term, in the long term it can actually cost you more.
Gutter Guard Product Costs
Brush Gutter Guard
A Brush Gutter Guard kit looks like a long pipe cleaner and is the cheapest option available on the market in Australia today, typically working out at around $8 per meter or $3 per linear foot. With an average house needing around 56 meters to sufficiently ensure every gutter is protected, this will cost you around $450 to fully secure your house. However, whilst being the cheapest option they do need to be replaced the most often as the bristles can become worn out, warped and sometimes even clogging. Whilst they are able to prevent large leaves from entering the gutter, small bits of debris can get caught in the brushes which can create a significant fire risk. Brush guards should also never be used to protect downspouts or downpipes as they can clog. So if you are looking for a long term gutter guard solution, brush guards are probably not the best solution.
Mesh Panel Gutter Guards
A slightly more permanent solution would be to install Mesh Panel Gutter Guards onto your gutters. Connecting directly to the gutter itself, they are able to protect from debris entering the system and typically retail at around the $7 per meter mark (so $392 for a typical 56-meter requirement).
There are many different variants of mesh panels on the market; plastic and metal gutter guards. However, all vary in quality, which makes choosing the right one suitable for your needs a little difficult. Opting for a mesh that has holes that are too large will allow small debris, such as pine needles, to enter whilst a mesh with holes that are too small can quickly become blocked and prevents water flow.
Foam Inserts
Equally as good at preventing debris from entering the gutter system are Foam Inserts. Working in a similar way to the Brush Gutter Guards, Foam Inserts simply slot directly into the gutter and retail around $13 a meter. This makes it a mid-level solution, coming in around $330 to protect an average-sized home.
Whilst they do offer good protection against debris, they are also a magnet for mold and plant growth which does result in them needing to be replaced eventually. Foam guards also create a flat surface on the top of the gutter, which can lead to a build-up of debris that can not only cause a blockage but also become a fire risk.
Regular maintenance can certainly help to prevent this and extend the life span of Foam Inserts, making them a worthy solution in protecting your property for a number of years.
Vinyl Guards or Reverse Curve Guards
Vinyl Guards, also known as Reverse curve guards, are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners in Australia, thanks to their ability to protect your home for a long time. Fitting directly to the gutter in the same way that a mesh guard does, the plastic material makes it sturdy and capable of lasting for many years. Typically, a Vinyl Guard retails around $14 per meter so it is one of the more expensive options on the market, costing around $785 to protect an average family home.
Thanks to the plastic they are made from, Vinyl Guards are a fantastic long term solution to protecting your home; however, the flat nature of the surface they create means they do still need regular maintenance as debris can build up. Vinyl Guards also tend to have larger holes than their metal counterparts so larger debris is still able to enter your gutter.
Integrated Mesh Gutter Guards
Retailing at a similar price ($15 per meter) and acting as an equally long term solution, Integrated Mesh Gutter Guards are one of the most prevalent gutter protection solutions across Australia. Fitting directly on to the gutter, they are able to prevent debris from entering the system and can last a very long time. Integrated guards also help to strengthen the gutter itself and are highly durable. The gutter guard is directly attached to your a metal roof or tucked under roofing tiles or shingles. However, they can take longer to install. Prices are dependant on your roof type but 10-15 dollars per meter would be a good estimate you can see current prices here. At Aussie Gutter Protection, our integrated mesh gutter guard is proven to be best gutter guard product on currently on the market. It is proven for durability as we have never had a material warranty claim against the guard. We offer a range of aluminium, stainless steel and poly materials included in our Tuff Mesh, Gutter Mesh and Ember guard ranges. We offer a mesh in variety of Colorbond colours that can be matched to your gutter, roof and fascia.
Comparison of DIY Gutter Guards Material Prices
Integrated Mesh Gutter Guards
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Long Term Solution
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Needs Tools To Fit
Brush Gutter Guards
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Short Term Solution
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No Tools Needed
Mesh Panel Gutter Guards
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Easily accumulates debris
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Low Cost Mesh
Foam Gutter Guards
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No Tools Needed
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Require Regular Maintenance
Vinyl Gutter Guards
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Simple to Fit
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Large Hole Size
Comparison of Gutter Guards
| Integrated Mesh Gutter Guard | Brush Gutter Guard | Mesh Panels or Flat Panels | Foam Inserts | Vinyl Guard | |
| Reduce Maintenance | |||||
| Leaf Proofing | |||||
| Prevents Blockages | |||||
| Strengthens Gutter Systems | |||||
| Bird and Pest Proofing | |||||
| Bushfire Protection | |||||
| Water Harvesting |
Gutter Guard Installation Pricing
Installation is definitely not a one size fits all solution. Although many homeowners opt to fit their own DIY gutter guards, for an optimal solution and to ensure maximum protection it is advised to get an expert gutter guard installer to fit the mesh to your guttering and roofing systems.
There is a misconception that any roofer can fit gutter guards, but our experience shows us that gutter guard installers are experts in the gutter guard system application. The best gutter guard installers offer a workmanship warranty. Similarly, an expert will know the exact solution suited to your needs and budget.
There are many factors to examine when looking to install gutter guards to your property, for example, the roof type, type of gutter, the roof size, the levels and also the ease of access to it. It is also best to have a gutter cleaning service before installing your new gutter guard. Without a professional coming to look at the property, many homeowners are given an estimate pricing; leading to problems further down the line with incorrect materials, or not enough guards, being installed.
With so many factors, it’s not possible to provide an exact figure and complete solution without first examining the property. For your free evaluation, get in touch today and we can calculate the cost and most suitable solution for your home.
Find a Gutter Guard Installer
- Top Quality Materials
- Local Experts Who Understands Your Needs
- Professional Installers
View our Range of Gutter Guard Solutions
- Commercial Standard Gutter Guard
- Extreme Strength and Durability
- Aluminium
- Ember Guard
- Poly
- Specially designed for solar panels
- Durable clip-on fittings
- Maximized air flow design
- Bird and vermin proof
Learn more about Gutter Guards
A professionally installed physical barrier is all it takes to keep these problems from affecting your home or business. This small investment will save you a lot of money and save you the constant work of cleaning out debris from your gutters.
Get yours today by contacting Aussie Gutter Protection, the specialists in gutter guard products for Australian conditions.
Gutter Guard Benefits
Gutter Guard is a great investment to any home. With an array of benefits, it gives homeowners and property owners complete peace of mind.
Leaf Guard
Blocked gutters can cost property owners thousands in damage. Don’t get caught out; instead, install a leaf guard.
Bushfire Protection Gutter Guard
Protect your home from ember attack with our Australian certified solutions.