Are you tired of your gutters getting clogged and needing maintenance? Cleaning the house gutters has got to be one of the most tedious chores out there!
It’s even more of a hassle during cold weather. Understandably, you would be looking into solutions like a gutter brush.
If you’re unsure and wondering “Do gutter brushes work?” keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about them, including the pros and cons.
How Do Gutter Brushes Work?
Gutter brushes sit inside the gutter without any clamps or fasteners. They have polypropylene bristles that extend outwards.
The polypropylene material keeps the bristles in shape in the face of rain and UV damage.
These bristles surround a wire core that’s either made of stainless steel or galvanized steel. Both materials delay rust, so you don’t have to change the brushes often and you can suffice with some maintenance every now and then.
The bristles work on preventing any debris, leaves, or twigs from falling into the gutter. Yet, the flow of water remains the same through the gutter and downpipes.
Pros of a Gutter Brush
What are the best aspects of a gutter brush?
Affordability
Compared to other options, brush gutters are very cheap. Relative to how effective they are, gutter brushes are excellent value for your money.
Easy Installation
They’re also easy to install, as they don’t require fasteners, screws, or nails. Most people can fit the brush without professional help, and it’s a DIY job that takes no time at all.
Durable and Protective
Moreover, gutter brushes are durable and last about five years with proper maintenance. The polypropylene bristles retain their shape for long and are both rain and UV-resistant.
Finally, the brushes take the brunt of the wear and tear. This means that the brushes provide metal gutters with protection against the weather and external factors.
You’ll still have to clean the gutter itself from time to time, however.
Keep Small Animals Away
There’s also a hidden bonus that comes with the package and that’s keeping your gutters empty.
Instead of having rats, pests, or birds building nests in your gutters, the brush will keep all of them away and keep your gutter working on dispersing water only.
Cons of a Gutter Brush
What are some reasons to avoid a gutter brush?
Rusting
The downside to gutter brushes is that they can —and will— rust after a while. Gutter brushes also need a lot of maintenance to stay in shape.
Only Effective for Large Debris
While they work well for large debris, they’re ineffective in the face of small debris or other small obstacles that can flow with the water.
That’s why pine needles and smaller leaves are a huge threat to gutter brushes. Without frequent maintenance by removing build-up, your gutter can still get clogged.
Visible from the Ground
Depending on your gutter, the brush might be visible from the ground. So, if you’re keen on keeping your house looking a certain way, it might not be ideal for you.
Fire Hazards
While these aren’t exact cons, you should beware of whether the area you’re in is prone to bushfires or strong winds.
With the former, the brushes can increase the risk of fire hazards. On the other hand, strong winds can blow away your brushes, given that they’re light and aren’t fastened to the gutters.
How to Know the Proper Brush Size for a Gutter
If you’re not sure which brush size to get for a gutter, figuring it out is quite easy. All you have to do is measure the top of the gutter and take into account the minor difference.
In other words, if you have 5-inch gutters, the top will probably measure around 4.5 inches.
Most standard gutters measure 5 inches. However, you can find small ones that measure 4 inches, super ones that measure 7 inches, and industrial sizes that measure up to 8 inches.
Although it’s not likely, your house can have gutters of different sizes. That’s why you should make sure of the exact sizes you’ll need for every part of the gutter.
FAQs
Are Gutter Brushes a Fire Hazard Risk?
Generally, gutter brushes are safe. However, if you live in an area that’s prone to bushfires, you might want to look into another option that’s not flammable. In this case, you should check out ember guards.
Are Gutter Brushes Better Than Foam Inserts?
Yes. Gutter brushes are better than foam options because they allow the water to move more freely.
In the case of foam inserts, the sponge-like texture can retain water and become trapped inside the gutter.
Are Gutter Brushes Better Than Reverse Curve Gutter Guards?
Gutter brushes work better with varying debris sizes. Reverse curve gutter guards can be more vulnerable in the face of small debris, especially if you live in an area with plenty of it.
Are Gutter Brushes Better Than Mesh Panels and Guards?
In terms of cost, yes. Gutter brushes are much more affordable than mesh options. Not to mention, if the mesh guard has very small openings, they’re more prone to clogging.
Gutter brushes, on the other hand, can be cleaned and unclogged with minimal maintenance.
Final Thoughts
We hope you have all the information you need regarding gutter brushes to decide whether they suit you or not.
Compared to other options, gutter brushes are a winner. They’re affordable, last long enough, and keep your gutters fairly clean and running smoothly.
Bear in mind that you should be ready to give them maintenance every now and then to keep them working well.
If you live in a bushfire-prone area, however, you might want to look into other less flammable options.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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