Clogged gutters are the worst; no arguments there. This is why many homeowners look for ways to prevent gutters from clogging in the first place. Brush gutters guards are a popular and relatively inexpensive option. But are they worth the investment? Do brush gutter guards really work? Let’s find out.
In this article:
- What Are Brush Gutter Guards?
- How Do They Function?
- Pros of Brush Gutter Guards
- Cons of Brush Gutter Guards
- Do They Actually Work for Gutter Protection?
- FAQ
What Are Brush Gutter Guards?
Brush gutter guards are also called hedgehog gutter guards or bottle brush gutter guards. The name implies exactly what they are – large, heavy, and circular brush bristles on a wire that blocks debris. This type of gutter guard is placed inside the gutter, unlike all other types that go on top of the gutter, where it allows smooth water flow through the gutter while it effectively collects large debris, leaves, twigs, etc.
Typically, the center of a brush guard has a galvanized steel wire that stays put even in the worst weather conditions. The bristles are usually made from polypropylene, which helps them retain their rigid, erect shape against the onslaught of heavy rainfall and runoff. These synthetic bristles extend from the central steel wire and usually have a five-inch diameter, looking just like a brush that’s used to clean bottles.
These gutter covers are super easy to install and take out. You can get them in different lengths and sizes for the perfect fit. Low maintenance and ease of accessibility make them a popular choice for many homeowners.
How Do Brush Gutter Guards Function?
Brush gutter guards usually come in 18” or 36” sizes and are designed to lay end-to-end along inside your gutters. This gutter guard type can catch impressive amounts of debris due to its stiff, outward-facing polypropylene bristles.
It works by simply sitting in your gutters and catching all the large debris that could block a gutter. It doesn’t need any fasteners or complicated installation to secure in place and work.
Lightweight materials such as leaves get stuck in the bristles and eventually blow away, but sticks and twigs may need to be removed manually as a part of your gutter maintenance. But even though large materials catch in the bristles, it doesn’t impede the flow of water through rain gutters and downspouts.
Pros of Brush Gutter Guards
Some homeowners will swear by brush gutter guards, for several reasons:
- Affordability: One of the biggest pros of brush guards is that they are among the cheapest, yet effective, options available on the market.
- Long-lasting: Brush gutter guards are made from a durable galvanized steel wire core that is interwoven with plastic bristles. These bristles are UV-resistant and are excellent at retaining their original form through years of use.
- Easy to Install: Brush gutter guards require no tools for installation – no fasteners, nails, or screws. All you have to do is get up on a ladder and lay the centipede-like brush guard in the gutter; there is no need for professional installations or hefty labor costs. You might need some clips or cable ties to attach them in place through the guttering, making them perfect for DIY installation. They’re not locked into place and can easily be removed for regular maintenance.
- Prolong Your Gutter’s Life: The bristles are highly effective at keeping debris, twigs, leaves, or other abrasive roof runoff from entering the gutters. And since only water gets to flow through it, the gutter system never becomes full or gets scratched or damaged. Hence prolonging the overall life of the system.
- Prevents Rust: The bristles are tightly packed to catch all the fallen leaves and debris but allow sufficient air to circulate. This makes sure that the gutters stay dry and reduce the chances of rust in metal gutters.
Cons of Brush Gutter Guards
Brush gutter guards may seem quite underwhelming to some homeowners despite their affordability and ease of use. Here are some issues you may encounter:
- Might Need Frequent Replacements: If you reside in an area with many trees around the house and a windy climate, chances are that you will need to replace your brush guards often.
- Fire Risk: The plastic bristles are flammable and can pose a fire risk in very limited cases, particularly if you live in an area prone to bushfires.
- Not Very Aesthetically Pleasing: Although it’s not an issue for some people, brush gutter guards are often visible from afar. Depending on your gutter type, you can see them from the ground. So you might want to opt for alternatives if you’re quite particular about your house’s exterior appearance.
- Allow Small Debris Through: Brush gutter guards might fill with leaves quickly. Pine needles and other debris find their way through the bristles and start to gather in a spot. Helicopter seeds from maple trees also often get stuck in the bristles and might start to grow too. This means you’ll have to do regular gutter cleaning to get rid of the build-up and to clear leaves and twigs from your brush gutter guards.
Do Brush Gutter Guards Actually Work for Gutter Protection?
Brush gutter guards are effective at reducing gutter cleaning, they’re also easy to work with and save you from the additional expense of professional installation. The maintenance needs are pretty basic too. They’re designed to last as long as five years and work great in almost all kinds of weather conditions.
The effectiveness of a brush gutter guard system relies entirely on the intended purpose and installation location. Although they’re suitable for use in most homes and gutter systems, sometimes they simply might not work.
For instance, if you’re surrounded by trees that drop tiny debris like seeds, twigs, pine needles, and dirt, you will need a finer gutter cover for ultimate protection. In such cases, a micromesh gutter guard or reverse curve gutter guard would work better. Or. if you’re living in an area with extremely high winds then there’s a chance brush guard might simply fly off with the wind.
All in all, it’s a worthwhile investment if it aligns with your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brush Gutter Guards
Do Brush Gutter Guards Stop Birds?
Yes, brush gutter guards deter birds, rats, and other pests from invading and nesting in your gutters.
What Are Some Alternative Gutter Guards Types to Consider?
If you’re unsure about the effectiveness of brush gutter guards, you may consider getting:
- Micro-mesh gutter guards
- Foam gutter guards
- Screen gutter guards
- Reverse curve surface tension gutter guard
Need Help?
Though brush gutter guards are simple, you might want to consult a gutter professional to decide if they’re the best decision for your house. You can reach out to a home improvement pro at Lawnstarter for their services as needed.
Main photo by ingae / Shutterstock
