Ask Keith
Frequently asked questions.
Honest, plain-language answers from a local team that's been doing this work for years.
+How often should gutters be cleaned?
Every 6–12 months for most South Coast homes. Properties with overhanging gums or pines should aim for every 3–6 months, especially before storm and bushfire season.
+What is gutter guard?
Gutter guard is a fine mesh installed across the top of your gutters to stop leaves, debris, birds and pests entering. It dramatically reduces ongoing cleaning needs and helps with bushfire ember protection.
+Is gutter guard worth it?
For most NSW South Coast homes — yes. It pays for itself in reduced cleaning, prevents water damage from blocked gutters, and adds an extra layer of bushfire protection.
+What is Ember Guard?
Ember Guard is a non-combustible mesh installed across gutters, vents and roof openings to reduce wind-driven embers entering a home during bushfires. It's required as part of AS3959 compliance in BAL-rated zones.
+Can dirty solar panels reduce efficiency?
Yes — significantly. Dust, salt, pollen and bird droppings can reduce output by 15–25%. Regular cleaning protects your investment.
+How often should solar panels be cleaned?
Annually for most systems, or every 6 months for coastal homes and properties under trees.
+Is roof washing safe for rainwater tanks?
Yes when done properly. Coast Flow uses eco-safe products and isolates downpipes during cleaning where required.
+Can birds damage solar panels?
Yes. Bird droppings reduce output and nesting under panels damages wiring. Bird-proof mesh is an inexpensive, long-term fix.
+What causes blocked drains?
Tree roots, grease, foreign objects and collapsed sections of old pipe are the most common causes on the South Coast.
+Can tree roots block drains?
Yes — they're the most common cause of recurring blockages. High-pressure jetting and root cutting clears them.
+How much does gutter cleaning cost?
Most homes fall into a clear fixed-price range. Keith provides a fixed upfront quote after a quick look at the property — no hidden surprises.
+Do you service rural properties?
Yes. Coast Flow regularly works on rural and acreage properties across the South Coast and Southern Highlands.
+What suburbs do you service?
Berry, Nowra, Kiama, Gerringong, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, the wider Illawarra, Bowral, Moss Vale, Robertson, Kangaroo Valley and surrounding NSW South Coast areas.
Service-specific FAQs
Gutter Guard Installation
Is gutter guard worth installing?
For most South Coast homes, yes. If you have gum trees, paperbarks or pines nearby, are in a BAL-rated bushfire zone, or rely on a rainwater tank, quality mesh gutter guard usually pays for itself within a few years by cutting cleaning frequency, protecting fascia and ceilings from water damage, and reducing ember entry.
Does gutter guard stop birds nesting in the roof?
Yes. Correctly installed steel or aluminium mesh closes the gap where birds enter the roof cavity via the gutter line, and prevents them nesting behind fascia and eaves.
DIY Custom Gutter Guard Kits
Can I install gutter guard myself?
Yes, if you can safely work on a single-storey roof and use basic power tools. Coast Flow DIY kits are pre-measured, colour-matched and shipped with clear step-by-step instructions.
How do I measure for a DIY gutter guard kit?
Measure the total lineal metres of gutter you want covered and note your roof type (tile, Colorbond, metal) and gutter profile. Send Keith a few photos and the measurements — he'll confirm what your kit needs to include.
Gutter Cleaning
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Every 6 to 12 months for most South Coast homes. Properties under gum trees, paperbarks or pines benefit from a clean every 3 to 6 months, especially before storm and bushfire season.
Why do gutters need cleaning?
Gutters carry rainwater away from the roof. When they fill with leaves and silt they overflow, causing water to run back into the eaves, fascia, walls and ceilings — and creating fuel for ember ignition in bushfires.
Gutter Guard Repairs & Maintenance
Why is my gutter guard overflowing?
The three most common causes are debris built up on top of the mesh, mesh that has sagged into the gutter, or the wrong product for your debris type. An inspection identifies which one applies.
Can gutter guard sag over time?
Yes, especially lower-grade plastic mesh or installs that skipped saddles or supports. Sagging mesh sits in the water flow, collects debris and causes overflow — it can usually be re-tensioned or refitted.
Solar Panel Bird & Possum Proofing
Why are birds getting under my solar panels?
The gap between panels and roof is warm, dry and predator-safe — ideal for pigeons, mynas and starlings to nest. Once one bird moves in, others follow, and nests grow quickly.
How do I stop pigeons living under solar panels?
Fit a durable steel mesh around the perimeter of the array using no-drill clips on the panel frames. This closes the gap without damaging panels or voiding warranty.
DIY Solar Panel Mesh Kits
Can I install solar panel mesh myself?
Yes, if you can safely work on the roof and use basic tools. Coast Flow DIY kits use the same mesh and no-drill clips as our professional installs.
How do I measure my solar array for a mesh kit?
Count the panels, measure the perimeter of the full array in lineal metres, and send Keith a couple of photos. Keith confirms exactly what to include in your kit.
Solar Panel Cleaning
Can dirty solar panels reduce efficiency?
Yes. Independent studies show soiled panels can lose 15–25% of their output. Bird droppings on a single cell can drag down the output of an entire string of panels.
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
Every 12 months for most South Coast homes. Properties near the ocean, under trees, or with bird activity nearby benefit from a clean every 6 months.
Roof Soft Washing
Is roof soft washing safe?
Yes. Soft washing uses low pressure and biodegradable cleaning agents that kill moss, mould and lichen at the root without damaging tiles, coatings, pointing or the ecosystem around your home.
What's the difference between soft washing and pressure cleaning?
Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution to kill growth at the root. Pressure cleaning uses high-pressure water to blast growth off — which can crack tiles, strip coatings and lift pointing. Soft washing lasts longer and does no damage.
Drain Unblocking
What causes blocked drains?
The most common causes are tree roots, grease and fat build-up, foreign objects (wipes, sanitary products, kids' toys), silt and leaf litter in stormwater lines, and collapsed sections of old earthenware pipe.
Can tree roots block drains?
Yes — roots are the number one cause of recurring blockages on the South Coast. They enter through tiny cracks in old pipe joints, then grow into large fibrous masses that trap everything else.
Protect your home with Coast Flow
Honest advice, quality workmanship and reliable local service from a family business based in Berry. All gutter protection systems are available in Colorbond® colours to match your roof and gutters.