A Comprehensive Guide to Plastic Mesh Gutter Guard

Gutters protect your home from water damage by channelling rainwater away from the foundation. However, gutters can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, leading to overflow and costly damages. To help prevent these issues, plastic gutter guard mesh can be an effective solution.


This article provides an in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages of poly gutter mesh, helping you make an informed decision for your home.

How Does Plastic Gutter Guard Mesh Work?

Plastic mesh gutter guards are designed with small holes that allow maximum water flow while preventing leaves and debris from entering the gutter. The gutter mesh is typically made from polyethylene or PVC, which is durable, UV stabilised, and resistant to other elements. By covering the gutters with this gutter mesh, homeowners can enjoy a more efficient gutter system that requires less frequent cleaning and maintenance.

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Plastic Gutter Guard Mesh Pros and Cons

Advantages

  • Durability and strength
  • UV resistance 
  • Available in various Colorbond® colours
  • Ease of installation
  • Suitable for coastal applications
  • Suitable for galvanised applications

Disadvantages

  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Susceptibility to sagging
  • UV degradation over time
  • Unsuitable as ember mesh
  • Unsuitable for potable water use
  • Limited suitability for climates

Table: Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Gutter Guard Mesh

tuff mesh gutter guard

Advantages of Poly Mesh

Durability & Strength

Poly mesh gutter guards are made from high-quality plastic materials with exceptional durability and strength. This allows the guards to withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy rain, and the weight of accumulated debris without breaking or tearing.

UV Stabilised

Poly mesh is designed to resist the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The gutter mesh’s UV stabilised feature maintains its structural integrity and colour over time, making it a long-lasting solution for gutter protection.

Ease of Installation

One of the most significant advantages of poly mesh gutter guards is their ease of installation. Most homeowners can install them with basic tools and without professional assistance. They are typically laid over the existing gutters and secured with clips or fasteners, making the installation process quick and straightforward.

Cost-Effectiveness

Poly mesh gutter guards are relatively affordable compared to other gutter protection options. Their lower cost makes them an attractive choice for homeowners on a budget who still want to protect their gutters from debris and clogs effectively.

Coastal Applications

Poly mesh gutter guards are an excellent choice for homes in coastal areas. The materials used in their construction are resistant to corrosion caused by salt and moisture, making them ideal for use in environments with high salt air and humidity levels.

Galvanised applications

Poly mesh gutter guards are also suitable for use with galvanised gutters. Their compatibility with galvanised materials ensures they won’t cause any adverse reactions, such as corrosion or rust, that could compromise the gutter system’s integrity.

Effective Bird-Proofing Measure

Poly mesh is a practical bird-proofing solution due to its durable construction and tight mesh pattern, which creates a physical barrier against nesting or roosting birds. Its UV-resistant properties ensure long-lasting protection with minimal maintenance. Consequently, a poly mesh suits homeowners seeking to safeguard their properties from bird-related damage and nuisances.

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Limitations of Poly Mesh

mesh panel

Susceptibility to Sagging Or Collapsing

Despite their durability, poly mesh gutter guards can be susceptible to sagging or collapsing under the weight of heavy debris. If not addressed promptly, this can result in the mesh becoming ineffective at preventing debris from entering the gutters and causing clogs.

UV Degradation Over Time

Although poly mesh gutter guards are designed to resist UV radiation, they can still experience some degradation over time. Extended exposure to sunlight can cause the mesh to become brittle and prone to cracking or tearing, which may compromise its effectiveness.

Unsuitable For Certain Climates

Poly mesh gutter guards may not be the best choice for all climates. In areas with heavy snowfall or ice, the mesh can become overwhelmed, allowing ice dams to form. Additionally, in regions with intense storms or high winds, the mesh may not be as effective at keeping debris out of the gutters. Homeowners in these climates should carefully consider their specific weather conditions when deciding if poly mesh gutter guards are the best solution for their homes.

Unsuitable for Potable Water Use

Plastic mesh gutter guard is unsuitable for water tanks with potable water use due to the potential release of chemicals from the plastic materials over time. These chemicals can leach into the collected rainwater, making it unsafe for consumption. As a result, plastic mesh gutter guards do not meet the requirements of the Australian Standard AS4020, which sets the criteria for products in contact with drinking water to ensure water quality and safety.

Unsuitable as Ember Mesh

Plastic mesh is unsuitable as ember mesh because it lacks the heat resistance to withstand high temperatures associated with bushfires. When exposed to extreme heat, the plastic mesh can melt or burn, rendering it ineffective at protecting against the entry of embers into gutters or roof spaces. Instead, metal ember mesh made of aluminium, steel or bronze is highly recommended for its superior heat resistance and effectiveness in preventing ember intrusion during fire events.

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Poly Mesh Gutter Guard Products

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Other Plastic Gutter Guard Products

brush gutter guard

Several alternative plastic gutter guard options are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. 

Some of these alternatives include: 

  • Solid plastic covers
  • Solid plastic screens 
  • Plastic brush gutter guards
  • Foam gutter guards 

Solid plastic covers, brush gutter guards, and foam gutter guards offer unique benefits as gutter protection solutions. Solid plastic covers and screens allow water to permeate the cover and into the gutter through a narrow opening, while brush guards use stiff bristles to prevent debris from entering the gutters. 

On the other hand, Foam gutter guards fit snugly inside the gutter and allow water to pass through while blocking debris. However, these options can have limitations, such as reduced water flow, difficulty in cleaning, and the potential for trapping debris. 

Polyethylene gutter mesh is a more durable and comprehensive plastic gutter guard solution. Its design efficiently filters out debris while maintaining optimal water flow. Polyethylene mesh offers superior durability and UV resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance and low maintenance requirements compared to other plastic gutter guard alternatives.

When evaluating these options, it’s crucial to consider cost, ease of installation, maintenance requirements, and effectiveness in your specific environment.

Is Plastic Gutter Guard Mesh Worth It?

To determine if plastic gutter guard mesh is the right choice for your home, consider the specific needs of your property and weigh the pros and cons of using poly mesh. For some homeowners, the advantages of poly mesh gutter guards, such as their durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation, outweigh the potential limitations.


However, alternative gutter protection options may be more suitable for others with specific environmental concerns or a higher frequency of smaller debris. It’s essential to carefully assess your home’s gutter protection needs and research various options to make the best decision for your property.

Ultimately, choosing the right gutter protection solution is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of your gutter system. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of poly mesh gutter guards, you can decide whether they are the best choice for your home.

If you’re looking for high-quality poly mesh gutter guards, consider ScreenTech’s Tuffmesh Poly Mesh, a commercial-grade poly gutter mesh, or GutterMesh Poly, which has proven effective on Australian roofs and gutter systems for over 20 years.
Regardless of your option, remember that regular gutter maintenance and inspection are still necessary to ensure your gutter system’s longevity and effectiveness. Give your home the protection it deserves with ScreenTech’s reliable gutter guard solutions.

Screen Tech has over 20 years in the gutter protection industry, with extensive knowledge of gutter guard installation, roofing and building management for your gutter guard job. We have an extensive range of aluminium, poly and steel mesh products that can fit any Stratco gutter. We supply roofing companies and gutter guard installers across Australia with affordable delivery options.

Use our gutter guard estimation services to quote your next project, or call our expert team for advice and assistance for your gutter guard job.

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