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Why should you choose leaf guard for gutters?

Gutters, also colloquially called rain gutters, protect the building from water running down from the roof. Passers-by and residents are also protected by the alumasc guttering. Although rain, branches, bird droppings, snow, and dirt particles, as well as leaves, can now no longer fall unhindered from the roof, in turn these components now accumulate in the gutter. The result: the drain can become clogged. Especially when leaves fall and rain showers follow one another, a thick mass develops in the rain gutter that prevents water from flowing away. Another consequence of leaves clogging the half-pipe is damage to the gutter.

This can be remedied by a leaf screen that protects the gutter from leaves. This leaf stop has different variations, which must be selected accordingly depending on the gutter. Learn more below.

Variations of leaf protection for gutters

The leaf stop for gutters on the roof comes in different variations and designs. Firstly, it is important how the roof covering is and what material the downpipe is made of.

Known leaf grates protect from all:

  • semicircular gutters,
  • as well as
  • box-shaped gutters

Foliage protection for gutters on roofs with a roof pitch of up to 50 degrees

For gutters, on roofs with a flat or a medium roof pitch, the most suitable leaf catching systems are those that are stable and optimally flush with the roof tiles. Do not forget to install snow guards on your roof to keep the snow from sliding off the roof. Keep yourself and others safe.

To prevent the leaves from lying on the grid, it should have a smooth surface. In addition, the holes should not be too large and angular, otherwise the stems of the leaves can get caught in them. Alternatively, if you have a flat or medium roof slope, you can rely on a strongly curved leaf guard.

Leaf protection for gutters on roofs with a roof pitch of more than 50 degrees

If the pitch of your roof is over 50 degrees, i.e. if it is a very steep roof, leaf protection is more difficult. Since with this type of roofing the roof tiles often protrude into the gutter, it is not possible to install curved gratings. You will have to resort to a special gutter guard here. In these systems, the leaf grids run under the roof tiles. However, here, too, the catchment runs below the top edge of the gutter. Branches and leaves can therefore accumulate in this recess. With a correctly installed leaf guard, the gutter nevertheless remains free of leaves and dirt. Thus, water can continue to flow off undisturbed.

Leaf protection for box gutters

CAUTION:

Many box gutters are not standardized or only come in different sizes and heights. For this reason, a customizable leaf stop is necessary for box style gutters. It is best to measure your gutter exactly before buying.

For very flat roofs, such as flat roofs or shed roofs, as well as box-shaped gutters, neither curved nor concave leaf guards are suitable. Instead, you should go for a flat leaf guard for your gutters. These systems are also box-shaped – like the gutter – making them easier to install and customizable in size and height. Your roof also need to keep clean, with this perfectly copes high pressure washers, we recommend buying to keep your household clean.

OUR TIP:

When choosing a leaf guard, also consider what type of trees are in the immediate vicinity of your home. If there are a lot of conifers, the grid that protects the gutter from debris should also be equipped accordingly. Needles can fall through the holes of common devices and thus clog the drain. With a leaf guard for pine needles, the gutter remains protected.

Installing leaf protection – not an easy task

To professionally install the leaf guard on the gutter is a relatively dangerous task. Due to the height as well as the complicated implementation – especially in the case of systems that protrude under the roof tile – you should resort to the help of a professional here.

Mounting the leaf guard for roofs with a slope

The installation of the leaf guard on the gutter takes place directly at the end of the roof, that is, at a lofty height. Since this work is dangerous, we advise you to have the leaf guard installed by a professional.

Before buying the protection system for your gutter, you should measure it exactly. Later, the grid can now be easily mounted on the gutter with the appropriate clamps. However, the lower roof tiles are above the grid, but do not hide this.

Mounting the leaf guard for box gutters

When installing the leaf guard for box gutters, it is imperative to work accurately. The elements are installed in the gutter itself and not on the outside. Improper work can lead to leaves, branches or dirt getting under the device and thus – despite protective measures – clogging the gutter.

In addition, before mounting, the sheet metal tongues of the gutter hooks, which are located on the front as well as on the inside of the box gutter, must be pressed against the gutter wall. However, care must be taken when doing this!

Once measurement and cutting have been successfully carried out, care must be taken during installation to ensure that the U-shaped leaf guard is correctly inserted into the gutter and fastened. If not properly installed, strong winds may blow the leaf guard out of the gutter or leaves may accumulate under the leaf guard due to small gaps. Ideally, the leaf guard should be placed in the gutter with some tension. Overlapping of the parts should also be avoided, otherwise leaves or other coarse debris can get stuck here and consequently cover the grille. Therefore, we recommend that you have the installation done by a roofer from your area. This way you will get a clean and qualitative result.

CONCLUSION

If you do not want to constantly clean your gutters, you should focus on prevention. Above all, a grid that protects your gutter from falling leaves, branches, dirt and bird droppings, but still ensures the unobstructed drainage of rainwater, is ideal here.

The shape of the roof as well as the dimensions of the gutter are decisive for the choice of leaf protection. Once the right system has been selected, the professional installation is carried out directly on site at the gutter, i.e. at a lofty height. Since this work is very dangerous, but still requires careful installation, we advise you to ask a roofer in your area for assistance.

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