Autumn can quickly turn clear gutters into gutters packed with leaves, moss and other debris.
Once that happens, rainwater has nowhere to go. Gutters can overflow, downpipes can become blocked and what should have been a straightforward maintenance job can turn into a much bigger problem.
If your property is surrounded by trees, fitting a Hedgehog Gutter Brush before autumn is a simple way to reduce the amount of debris collecting in your gutters while still allowing rainwater to flow.
What Is a Hedgehog Gutter Brush?
A Hedgehog Gutter Brush is a cylindrical gutter guard designed to sit inside the gutter.
The genuine Hedgehog uses polypropylene bristles around a stainless steel wire core. The bristles are also UV stabilised to help withstand exposure to the weather.
Rather than covering the gutter with a solid surface, the brush fills the open space. Rainwater can continue into the gutter while leaves, moss, twigs and larger debris are prevented from settling as easily.
It’s a particularly straightforward option for existing guttering because there’s no complicated installation system.
Why Fit Gutter Protection Before Autumn?
Timing matters.
Waiting until gutters are already full of wet leaves means you’ve got the clearing job to deal with first. Getting them cleaned and protected towards the end of summer gives you a head start before autumn leaf fall gets properly underway.
There are several good reasons to get the job sorted early.
1. Reduce Leaf Build-Up
Falling leaves are an obvious problem for guttering, particularly on properties close to trees.
A layer of leaves can restrict the flow of water through the gutter. Add more leaves, moss and other debris over time and you’ve got the conditions for a blockage.
A gutter brush helps stop larger debris from settling inside the gutter in the first place.
2. Help Prevent Overflowing Gutters
Guttering needs a clear route to carry rainwater from the roof towards the outlet and downpipe.
When that route becomes restricted by debris, water can back up and spill over the edge.
Overflowing gutters aren’t something to ignore. Persistent water running where it shouldn’t can affect fascia boards, walls and the areas immediately around the property.
Keeping the gutter clear is therefore about more than making the roofline look tidy.
3. Cut Down on Gutter Maintenance
A gutter guard doesn’t make gutters completely maintenance-free.
It can, however, reduce the amount of leaves and larger debris getting into them, which can make ongoing maintenance considerably easier.
This can be especially useful on properties where nearby trees mean gutters need frequent attention.
4. It’s Quick to Install
One of the main advantages of a Hedgehog Gutter Brush is the simplicity of installation.
Start by thoroughly clearing the existing gutter so you’re not installing the brush on top of old leaves, moss or silt.
The brush can then be placed along the gutter and secured with the appropriate Hedgehog Gutterbrush Clips.
Multiple lengths can also be connected to provide continuous protection along longer gutter runs.
Which Size Hedgehog Gutter Brush Do I Need?
The right size depends on the gutter you’re protecting.
eRoofing stocks 4 metre Hedgehog Gutter Brushes in several diameters, including:
The 100mm version is also available in black, brown and white, making it easier to choose an option that suits the existing roofline.
Don’t simply assume one size will fit every gutter. Check the gutter dimensions and choose a brush diameter suitable for the system you’re working with.
Can You Fit a Gutter Brush to Existing Guttering?
Yes. A major benefit of gutter brushes is that they can be fitted to existing suitable guttering without replacing the whole system.
Before installation, clear out the gutter and check its condition.
It’s also worth checking:
- Gutter joints and unions
- Fascia brackets
- Stop ends
- Outlets
- Downpipes
- Signs of leaks or damage
- Whether water is flowing correctly towards the outlet
There’s little point protecting a gutter that’s already leaking or not draining properly. Deal with those problems first, then fit the gutter protection.
Does a Hedgehog Gutter Brush Stop All Gutter Maintenance?
No.
This is worth being clear about.
A gutter brush helps prevent leaves, moss and larger debris from building up inside the gutter, but it doesn’t prevent all silt build-up or vegetation growth caused by floating seeds.
Gutters should still be inspected and maintained when required.
Think of gutter protection as a way of reducing one of the main causes of blockages rather than a reason to forget about your gutters altogether.
Hedgehog Gutter Brush or Gutter Mesh?
Both approaches are designed to help keep unwanted debris out of guttering, but they work differently.
Mesh guards sit across the opening of the gutter, while a gutter brush sits inside it.
A major attraction of the brush system is its straightforward installation. There’s no complicated fitting process: once the gutter is clean, the correctly sized brush can be positioned inside and secured.
Which option makes sense will depend on the guttering, property and type of debris you’re dealing with.
A Simple Job Worth Doing Before the Weather Turns
Gutter maintenance is easy to put off during summer when everything is flowing properly.
Then autumn arrives.
If you’ve got a property surrounded by trees or a gutter run that’s regularly filling with leaves, fitting protection before the main autumn leaf fall can save a lot of hassle later in the year.
Clear the gutters, check that the system is in good condition and install the correct size of Hedgehog Gutter Brush. It’s a straightforward bit of preventative maintenance that can help keep rainwater moving where it’s supposed to.
Shop Hedgehog Gutter Brush at eRoofing
eRoofing stocks genuine Hedgehog Gutter Brush in a selection of sizes and colours, along with Hedgehog Gutterbrush Clips for securing the brush in position.
Available options include 4m lengths in 100mm, 125mm, 150mm and 200mm diameters, giving you options for different gutter applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gutter brushes worth fitting before autumn?
If leaves and debris regularly collect in your gutters, fitting a gutter brush before autumn can help reduce the amount entering the gutter during the main leaf-fall period. Installing it while the gutter is clean also makes the job much easier.
Do gutter brushes stop leaves?
Hedgehog Gutter Brushes are designed to help prevent leaves and other larger debris from settling inside gutters while allowing rainwater through.
Do I need to clean my gutters before fitting a Hedgehog Gutter Brush?
Yes. Existing leaves, moss, silt and other debris should be removed before installation. It’s also a good opportunity to check the gutter, outlets and downpipes for existing problems.
Do gutters still need cleaning with a gutter brush fitted?
Yes. Gutter guards reduce debris but don’t eliminate the need for inspection and maintenance. Silt and vegetation from floating seeds can still build up over time.
What sizes of Hedgehog Gutter Brush does eRoofing sell?
The current eRoofing range includes 4m Hedgehog Gutter Brushes in 100mm, 125mm, 150mm and 200mm diameters. The range includes black options, with brown and white also available in 100mm.
