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Super-Dek Klip-Lok® Roof Clip | Gutter Guard Game-changer

Gutter protection has always been at the forefront of Australian architectural designs, especially with our country’s unique climate and the predominance of distinctive roofing styles, notably the Klip-Lok® design. With the increasing intricacies of new builds and a heightened demand for modern and resilient roofing solutions, it’s evident that a more advanced solution for gutter protection was needed.

Enter the Supa-Deck Klip-Lok® Clip—a product birthed from addressing the nuanced challenges specific to Australian roofing and setting a new gold standard in gutter protection.

ember guard on klip-lok

Addressing Australian Klip-Lok® Roof Challenges

The Klip-Lok® design, quintessentially Australian, has been widely adopted due to its durability and sleek aesthetics. However, such roofs have unique challenges, especially in ensuring that gutter protection meets Australian standards and requirements.

Traditional gutter protection solutions often have issues due to non-compliance or sheer inefficiency in design. Recognising this gaping need in the market, thorough R&D went into the conceptualisation and creation of the Supa-Deck Klip-Lok® clip.

Need gutter guard installed?

Technical Superiority and Applicability

Supa-Deck Klip-Lok® clip isn’t just another product; it embodies technical superiority tailored to the needs of roofers, trades and architects. The clip’s design ensures seamless accommodation of diverse Australian roofing structures, box gutters or the standard Klip-lok rows.

What truly stands out is the snap-fix design. With strategic placement, a single screw ensures the mesh remains firmly anchored, providing robust protection to the gutters. The design promises efficiency and cuts installation time—a boon for tradespeople often grappling with tight schedules.

Klip-lok gutter guard clip

Roof Compatibility

  • Lysaght® Klip-Lok® Hi Strength
  • Lysaght® Klip-Lok®  406
  • Lysaght® Klip-Lok® Classic
  • Fielders KingKlip®
  • Metroll Metlok®
  • Revolution Revklip
  • Stramit Speed Deck Ultra®

Features and benefits:

  • Double-ribbed
  • CSIRO tested and endorsed
  • Complies with AS3959 – 1999
  • Akzo Nobel D1010 powder coating
  • Aluminium

Need gutter guards installed 

Innovation & Reinvention of Clip Design

Traditional solutions in the Australian market often lean towards heavier gauge materials as a makeshift solution to fortify their products. However, this approach, although providing strength, often compromised on flexibility—a pivotal aspect considering the diverse roof shapes inherent to Australian designs.

The Supa-Deck Klip-Lok® clip took a different route. Instead of merely bolstering the material, the design incorporated an innovative rating system. This move resulted in dual benefits. First, it enhanced the structural strength of the clip, ensuring longevity and durability. Simultaneously, it preserved the clip’s flexibility, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to various roof contours. This holistic approach underscores a comprehensive understanding of tradespeople and architects’ real-world challenges and attempts to address them head-on.

Why It Matters to Tradesmen & Architects

In the fast-paced world of construction and design, efficiency, reliability, and compliance are non-negotiable. A gutter guard system with the Supa-deck Klip-Lok® clips in our gutter guard system checks all these boxes.

For tradespeople, the system promises reduced installation time without compromising the quality of the final output. Its adaptability ensures that a single, reliable solution can address diverse roofing styles.

On the other hand, architects can now promise their clients a roofing solution that looks good and boasts cutting-edge functionality. The reliability and longevity offered by the system mean fewer maintenance calls and enhanced client satisfaction.

To our fellow tradespeople and esteemed architects, experience firsthand the confluence of design, efficiency, and durability in our Klip-Lok® gutter protection system with the Supa-Deck Klip-Lok® clip.

Want to know more? ScreenTech sends out Colorbond® gutter guard samples and guides to architects and discusses projects and considerations.

Look no further than ScreenTech’s TuffMesh®, GutterMesh, SteelMesh and SolarMesh products. Our mesh suits Klip-Lok®, Timdeck® corrugated roof types and tiled roofs. Get in touch with a ScreenTech installation partner today.

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Can you use an ember guard for solar panels?

In bushfire-prone areas, ember guard mesh covers cover any opening or roof cavity to protect from burning embers, including gutters, valleys, roof ventilation openings, fascia, ridges, and hips. 

So, is ember guard for solar panels? No. ScreenTech does not advise using ember guard mesh on solar panels as the design and installation methods hinder productivity and can void product warranties. However, ScreenTech does recommend other ember-proofing measures in BAL-rated areas. 

Ember guard mesh is not a suitable gutter guard product for solar panel protection. However, protecting your solar panels against the threat of ember attack. 

Read: The difference between ember and gutter guard

Ember guard vs solar panel bird mesh

installing solar mesh gutter guard

The differences between ember guards, gutter guards and solar panel meshes are essential to matching the right gutter guard products to the solution. 

What is the difference between ember guards and solar panel mesh? The two primary differences are the mesh hole size and installation. Ember guards must have less than a 2mm hole size, while solar mesh has a larger hole size to optimise solar panel productivity. Ember guards require screws and saddle fixtures, while solar mesh uses clips to prevent voiding the solar panel warranty. 

Solar mesh is designed to ensure the optimisation of the solar panel system. Solar mesh’s 12mm mesh gaps prevent possums, vermin and pest birds from nesting underneath the solar panels while also increasing breathability and decreasing moisture which can damage the panels. The physical barrier providing bird control reduces the flammable debris underneath the panels but will not prevent smaller debris and leaves.

Ember guard-compliant mesh stops leaves and debris from blocking the gutter and prevents ember attacks in bushfire-prone areas. Property is threatened by ember attack when windborne embers ignite waste, leaves and debris in gutters and roof spaces.

ember guard on klip-lok

Solar mesh installation uses clips instead of saddles and screws to ensure that the solar panel warranties are not void. Ember guard mesh cannot be safely secured to the panels without screws and saddles due to the material manufactured processing. 

Another minor difference between the two meshes is the coatings and colours. Colorbond® aluminium ember guards are powder-coated and steel ember guards are made from Colorbond® steel in over 25+ Colorbond® colours. Solar mesh is made from stainless steel or galvanised wire with a black PVC coating that is a non-combustible material. 

Read: Complete Guide Colorbond® Gutter Guard

SolarMesh & Ember Guard Comparison

The below table compares ScreenTech’s SolarMesh range and Ember Guard ranges:

Solar Mesh

Ember guard

Base Material

galvanised or stainless steel wire

aluminium, Colorbond® steel or bronze

Aperture size 

12mm

maximum 2mm

Application Type

solar mesh

ember guard or gutter guard

Coating/Colouring 

Black PVC Coating

powder coating D1010

Manufacturing Technique(s) 

expanded or extruded 

expanded, expanded single direction or machine-woven or extruded

Best Fit Solutions 

solar panel protection 

ember proofing, leaf guard against fine debris, bird, pest & possum proofing, reduce maintenance & safety 

Warranty

1-year

15-years

Bushfire Tested

n/a 

 AS 3959-2018 compliant

Fixtures 

Solar clips

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40, BAL-FZ

Ember Guard Bushfire attack level (BAL) suitability

N/A

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40, BAL-FZ

See our full range of gutter guard products.

Why bird-proof solar panels

  • Protect solar panels – Birds damage solar panels when bird droppings permanently corrode aluminium frames and stain the solar panel facade.
  • Protect your health – Stop bird infestation and prevent risk to the family’s health as birds carry transmissible diseases and parasites, including salmonella, bird mites and lice.
  • Improve property aesthetics – stop birds nesting under the panels to reduce other debris and litter around the property for better aesthetics.
  • Stop bird noise – bird species are nocturnal and many live in communal families. Cover your solar panels with SolarMesh for quieter living.
  • Void panel warranty – bird damage to solar panel electrical wiring void warranties by your solar providers. Installing solar mesh reduces maintenance costs and saves you money.

SolarMesh

Specifications

  • Base material: Galvanised or stainless steel
  • Coating: Black PVC Coating
  • Aperture: 12mm
  • Stand width: 1.0mm
  • Role Size: 200mm x 30m 

Features and benefits:

  • Compatible with Poly or Metal Solar clips
  • larger hole size to maximise airflow & efficiency 
  • Colours: Black
  • Warranty: 1-year 

See our SolarMesh range.

Why ember-proof solar panels

Solar panel bird proofing prevents leaves and nesting birds from habituating underneath the solar panels and protects against windborne embers. In bushfire-prone areas, 85% of homes destroyed occur due to windborne embers and not via direct fire contact. Therefore, gutter protection and solar panel protection are a must for any home in bushfire risk zones. 

According to Australian Standard AS3959-2009, ember guards must cover any opening or roof cavity to protect from burning debris in specific bushfire attack level areas. Homeowners are not legally required to cover solar panels with ember guard-compliant mesh

Ensuring commercial buildings and residential properties are adequately protected from a bushfire is the best solution to protect your home. Installing ember guards and leaf guards to meet Australian standards is the best protective gutter guard solution.

Read: Ember Guard Case Study: Yarra Ranges Special School 

TuffMesh® Emberguard

Specifications

  • LWG: 6.0mm
  • SWG: 3.0mm
  • Aperture: 1.6mm (average hole size)
  • Plate thickness: 0.8
  • Strand width: 1.2mm
  • Aluminum mesh

Features and benefits:

  • Strongest aluminium guard
  • One way mesh with added trough for maximum water collection
  • Complies with AS3959–1999
  • Australian Bushfire Standards
  • CSIRO tested flammability index of zero
  • Suitable to BAL 29
  • Akzo Nobel D1000 powder coating.
  • Powder coated in Australia
  • 25-year material warranty

Colour Options:

Basalt®

Classic Cream®

Cottage Green®

Dark Brown

Deep Ocean®

Dune®

Evening Haze®

Gully®

Ironstone®

Jasper®

Manor Red®

Monument®

Night Sky®

Pale Eucalypt®

Paperbark®

Shale Grey®

Surfmist®

Terracotta

Wallaby®

Windspray®

Woodlands Grey®

Zinc

See our full range of gutter guard & ember guard products.

Bushfire Attack Level Recommendations

BAL-Low to BAL-29

BAL-ratings require the specific gutter mesh, gutter guard and ember guard: 

  • BAL-Low indicates low risk from burning embers and the gutter guard choice suits your gutter protection solution and not the ember guard specified. 
  • BAL-12.5 indicates some risk of ember attack and the aluminium ember guard and the gutter guard must comply with BAL 12.5.
  • BAL-19 indicates a risk of ember attack, and the aluminium/steel gutter guard complies with BAL-19.
  • BAL-29 indicates a high risk of ember attack and aluminium or steel ember guards comply with BAL 29

In BAL-low to BAL-29, we recommend SolarMesh as the best solar panel protection solution. The aperture size protects from burning debris, leaf guard, and birds nesting under the solar panels. 

Read: 10 Architectural considerations for gutter mesh

corrugated roof ember guard

BAL-40 to BAL-FZ

In extreme bushfire risk areas with BAL-40 or BAL-FZ ratings, ScreenTech recommends using corrosion-resistant, non-combustible aluminium gutter guards as solar panel protection. In these areas, only steel and bronze ember guards meet ember guard compliance; however, in these cases, aluminium gutter guards secure the roof without needing to be screwed into the panels. The smaller hole size provides better protection against embers while also stopping birds nesting. 

ScreenTech also recommends gutter guard installation on solar panels requires professional installation and should not be undertaken as a DIY gutter guard solution. 

Read: Bunnings Gutter Guard Range Review 

Need gutter guard installed?

Want to know more? ScreenTech sends out Colorbond® gutter guard, ember guard and solar mesh samples. We include guides to architects and consult gutter guard projects and considerations.

Look no further than ScreenTech’s TuffMesh®,  GutterMeshSteelMesh and SolarMesh products. Our mesh suits Klip-Lok®, Trimdeck®, corrugated, tiled roofs and solar panels. Get in touch with a ScreenTech installation partner today for your gutter guard installation needs.

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Does plastic ember guard work?

If you want ember guard protection, you don’t want a plastic guard. You need an ember guard that is corrosion-resistant and non-combustible that covers any potential roof opening, such as gutter systems for roof ventilation openings, fascia, valleys, ridges and hips.

So, does plastic ember guard work? No. An ember guard cannot be manufactured from plastic as the material voids its compliance with Australian standards. An ember guard-compliant mesh must be either aluminium, steel or bronze.

Most homes destroyed during a bushfire is as a result of burning embers. Installing a gutter guard or an ember guard-compliant mesh may protect your home in high-risk areas. However, specific ember guard requirements exist for each bushfire attack level, and you need to know which ember guard is the best solution for you.

Read: Ember Guard Case Study: Yarra Ranges Special school 

What is an ember guard?

tuffmesh ember guard

An ember guard is a speciality gutter guard product designed to protect homes in bushfire-prone areas from burning embers carried on the wind. Ember guard mesh is fixed to the entire gutter system, including valleys and hips and roof spaces such as roof ventilation openings, fascia and ridges.

An ember attack occurs when airborne burning debris ignites fine leaf debris in the guttering system or flammable debris in the roof. The ember guard mesh or perforated sheets must have a hole size of 2mm or smaller to prevent an ember attack.

Read: The difference between ember and gutter guard

See our full range of gutter guard products.

Gutter Guard Vs Ember Guard

The table below details the differences between ScreenTech’s gutter guards and ember guards. Some variations will exist between other gutter protection systems on the market.

Gutter Guard

Ember guard

Base Material

aluminium & polyethylene

aluminium, steel or bronze

Aperture size requirement

No size minimum

maximum 2mm

Application Type

ember guard or gutter guard

ember guard or gutter guard

Coating/Colouring 

powder coating D1010 or Colorbond® steel, no coating 

powder coating D1010

Manufacturing Technique(s) 

expanded or extruded 

expanded, expanded single direction or machine-woven or extruded

Best Fit Solutions 

leaf guard, rainwater harvesting, bird & pest proofing, reduce maintenance & safety 

ember proofing, leaf guard against fine debris, bird, pest & possum proofing, reduce maintenance & safety 

Warranty

10-25-years

15-years

Bushfire Tested

AS3959-2018 compliant 

 AS 3959-2018 compliant

Gutter Guard Bushfire attack level (BAL) suitability

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40, BAL-FZ

Ember Guard Bushfire attack level (BAL) suitability

N/A

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40, BAL-FZ

Gutter Guard & Ember Guard Materials

Ember proof with aluminium ember mesh

ember guard on klip-lok

Most homeowners install aluminium mesh to protect their gutters because it is corrosion-resistant, non-combustible, and flexible. These properties also make it suitable for commercial gutter guards.

Aluminium ember guards are suitable for BAL-LOW-to-BAL-29 bushfire-prone areas. Aluminium ember guards also provide other solutions, such as preventing gutter cleaning of fine debris, like pines, jacarandas, and she-oaks. The smaller mesh hole size in the ember guard gutter keeps leaves out of the gutter and allows water to flow freely.

 

Read: What is a commercial gutter guard?

TuffMesh® Emberguard

Specifications

  • LWG: 6.0mm
  • SWG: 3.0mm
  • Aperture: 1.6mm (average hole size)
  • Plate thickness: 0.8
  • Strand width: 1.2mm
  • Aluminum mesh

Features and benefits:

  • Strongest aluminium guard
  • One way mesh with added trough for maximum water collection
  • Complies with AS3959–1999
  • Australian Bushfire Standards
  • CSIRO tested flammability index of zero
  • Suitable to BAL 29
  • Akzo Nobel D1000 powder coating.
  • Powder coated in Australia
  • 25-year material warranty

Colour Options:

Basalt®

Classic Cream®

Cottage Green®

Dark Brown

Deep Ocean®

Dune®

Evening Haze®

Gully®

Ironstone®

Jasper®

Manor Red®

Monument®

Night Sky®

Pale Eucalypt®

Paperbark®

Shale Grey®

Surfmist®

Terracotta

Wallaby®

Windspray®

Woodlands Grey®

Zinc

See our full range of gutter guard products.

Ember proof with steel gutter mesh

Steel mesh is required for BAL40 and BAL-FZ areas. These gutter guards Colorbond® steel mesh is the most popular steel gutter guard in Australia and is the most durable.

Steel mesh is strong and durable and is made from Colorbond Bluscope® Steel which provides an excellent colour match with your roof and gutters. Steel mesh is more robust but less malleable than aluminium, making it more challenging to install.

Read: Colorbond® Gutter Guards Complete Guide

SteelMesh

Specifications

  • Base material: colorbond® steel
  • Strand width: 1.4 mm 
  • Strand Thickness: 0.55 mm
  • Mesh weight: 2500 gsm
  • Hole Size: 2mm
  • 200mm- 600mm- x 1.2m panels

Features and benefits:

  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-FZ
  • 0 Flammability Index
  • CSIRO non-combustible rated
  • Made in Australia
  • Custom galvanised products are available
  • 20-year material warranty

Colour Options:

Evening Haze® 

Jasper® 

Gully® 

Basalt® 

Classic Cream® 

Cottage Green® 

Deep Ocean® 

Galvanised

Dune® 

Ironstone® 

Mangrove® 

Manor Red® 

Monument® 

Night Sky® 

Pale Eucalypt® 

Paperbark® 

Shale Grey® 

Surfmist® 

Wallaby® 

Windspray® 

Woodlands Grey® 

Zinc

Ember proof with bronze ember guards

Bronze ember guard gutter mesh is required for BAL40 and BAL-FZ areas. Bronze mesh is more robust but less malleable than aluminium, making it more challenging to install gutter guards. Steel gutter mesh is more widely used compared to bronze gutter guards.

Read: Bunnings Gutter Guard Range Review 

Plastic gutter guards

Plastic gutter guards and plastic mesh are not suitable for bushfire gutter protection. However, plastic gutter guards can provide solutions for leaf-proofing, including against fine-leaf trees. The quality and prices vary among the other plastic gutter guard products, including plastic mesh, brush guards, vinyl gutter guards, mesh panels and foam inserts.

Read: Plastic vs Metal gutter guard | What’s best?

Need gutter guard installed?

Want to know more? ScreenTech sends out gutter guard samples and guides to architects. We also provide consultations for gutter protection projects and considerations across Australia.

Look no further than ScreenTech’s TuffMesh®, GutterMesh, SteelMesh and SolarMesh products. Our mesh suits Klip-Lok®, Trimdeck®, corrugated roof types and tiled roofs. Get in touch with a ScreenTech installation partner today.

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Colorbond® Gutter Guard Complete Guide

Australian Colorbond® gutter guards are outstanding for leaf protection, bird proofing, bushfire protection and rainwater harvest protection. Many gutter guard products are on the market, but Colorbond® gutter guards offer unique advantages and features.

One primary feature is the colour-matching capabilities meaning the gutter guard is matched to the roof and gutter colour for the most streamlined aesthetics. The gutter mesh and the fittings can match tiled, Klip-Lok®, Timdeck® and corrugated roofs and the Colorbond® steel or aluminium gutters.

Continue reading to learn more about Colorbond® gutter guards.

What are Colorbond® gutter guards?

Colorbond® gutter guards, also known as an integrated gutter mesh system, sit over the gutters attached to the roof designed to filter rainwater into the gutter. Gutter mesh prevents leaves and debris from accumulating in the guttering system, allowing the optimal flow of rainwater away from your home.

A Colorbond® gutter protection system is the most efficient and long-lasting gutter guard, considered the best gutter guard. It is the most efficient gutter protection due to its ski slope angle from the front gutter lip and roof side, creating a permanent and permeable protective barrier. It is used in both residential and commercial applications.

integrated gutter guard

It is the gutter guard of choice for roofing professionals and architects Australia-wide, but it is also popular in the DIY market. Your choice of gutter guard depends on your intended purpose, Australian outdoor conditions, budget and installation expectations.

Read: Best Gutter Guards in Australia Ultimate Guide

Need gutter guard installed?

Colorbond® Gutter Guard Solutions

Leaf proofing

A Colorbond® leaf guard prevents clogged gutters and debris build-ups and significantly reduces gutter cleaning and property maintenance. Leaf guards protect the gutter systems, downpipes and Australian roofs from heavy downpours, high winds and tropical storms.

tuff mesh gutter guard

Reduce maintenance and gutter cleaning

Clogged gutters increase maintenance for businesses, homeowners and property managers. Regular cleaning is every 6-12 months, depending on your area.

It is important to remember that Colorbond® gutter guards do not eliminate gutter cleaning and maintenance but drastically reduce the frequency. Reduced gutter cleaning improves safety for maintenance teams and residents, preventing people working at heights from cleaning blocked gutters.

Need gutter guards installed 

Reduces property damage

A gutter guard ensures that water moves away from the property, preventing water damage. Therefore, it is suited to areas prone to heavy rainfall, extreme wind and weather conditions. The gutter guard offers additional durability reinforcing the gutter’s structural integrity.

Bushfire Protection against ember attack

Colorbond® ember guard products are the most effective bushfire protection against ember attacks. An ember attack occurs when airborne burning embers ignite litter in unprotected gutters. Colorbond® gutter protection will protect your home in Australian bushfire-prone areas.

An ember guard differs from a gutter guard with a minimum 2mm hole size per Australian standard. They are tested and certified BAL-rated with Low Flammability Index.

Read: Difference Between Ember Guard and Gutter Guard

Bird proofing

Colorbond® integrated mesh gutter guards are effective bird-proofing products. The gutter mesh prevents birds and other pests from accessing the gutter, roof spaces, and nesting. When applied with other bird prevention products, such as spikes and solar panel mesh, it can provide 100% complete bird protection.

A 100% bird-proofing guarantee is only possible by covering mesh over all entry points. However, vermin-proofing is much more difficult due to other entry points in foundations and walls. However, Colorbond® gutter guards reduce the risk of vermin and pests nesting in your gutters and roof.

Read: Do all new homes need bird proofing?

Want to become a gutter guard installation partner?

Rainwater harvesting

rainwater harvesting Australia

Colorbond® gutter guards are components of a complete rainwater harvesting system. It filters contaminants before reaching the water tank. Colorbond® gutter guards protecting portable water or household use must comply with AS4020 water standards. Plastic Colorbond® gutter guards do not meet these standards, so ensure to see Australian water standard certificates.

Commercial gutter guards

commercial gutter guard

Commercial gutter protection differs from a residential installation with various roof and gutter profiles. Colorbond® gutter guards also come in commercial-grade options. The mesh is 50% stronger and more flexible for use in a project with bracing and spanning without sagging. A commercial gutter guard is suitable for a 750mm wide gap without sagging while maintaining its strength and durability over time.

Read: What are commercial-grade gutter guards?

Colorbond® Gutter Guard Benefits

Bushfire-rated ember guards

  • BAL-ratings
  • CSIRO fire rating
  • low flammability
  • 2mm hole size as per Australian standards
  • non-combustible
  • Colorbond® steel & aluminium mesh options

Tested for Australian conditions

  • strong resilience to the elements
  • effective against extreme winds, hail, snow and rainfall
  • withstand tropical rains and winds
  • poly mesh combats salty atmospheric corrosion in the air
Manor red tile roof with gutter guard

Tested for Australian conditions

  • 25 Colorbond® colours
  • colour-matching offers aesthetically pleasing results
  • optimal for sloped roof properties where the roof is more visually exposed

Powder-coated strength

  • powder coating prevents fading
  • strengthens the product’s structural stability
  • prevents corrosion on a Colorbond® roof

Colorbond® Gutter Guard Warranty

  • Colorbond® gutter protection
  • up to 15-25-year warranty
  • warranties vary based on material Colorbond® Steel, aluminium and polyethylene

Read: AquaRevo Project Case Study 

Get in contact with a gutter guard installation partner 

Colorbond® Materials

Plastic gutter mesh

Plastic gutter mesh is excellent for coastal areas and suitable for all roof profiles due to the high salt concentration. We recommend poly mesh as a non-reactive substance great for use with galvanised roofs.

Key features include:

  • UV Stabilised polyethylene
  • Suitable for Galvanised roofs
  • Suitable for coastal dwellers
  • Netlon process diamond mesh
  • Proven for over 20 years
  • Up to 15-year material warranty

Aluminium gutter mesh

Tuffmesh aluminium gutter guard

Aluminium gutter guards are the most popular in gutter guard protection due to their ability to span and fit many roof profiles. Aluminium mesh is coated in industry-leading coating for strength and durability. It also retains its colour for longer despite exposure to UV rays.

Key features include:

  • Flexible aluminium mesh materials & accessories
  • CSIRO tested a flammability index of zero
  • Complies with AS3959 – 1999
  • Australian Bushfire Standards
  • Ember guard products are available
  • Akzo Nobel D1010 powder coating
  • Up to a 25-year material warranty

Colorbond® steel mesh

Colorbond BlueScope® steel is the best steel type used widely on Australian properties. SteelMesh with a 2mm hole size is used for BAL-40 and FZ-rated properties. It is highly durable and robust for a Colorbond® roof.

Key features include:

  • Colorbond® steel
  • Ember guard-rated gutter protection
  • CSIRO non-combustible rated bushfire protection
  • BAL-40/FZ rated solution
  • Made in Australia
  • 20 Year Warranty

Want to become a gutter guard installation partner?

integrated plastic gutter mesh

Roof Types

It comes in an array of Colorbond® colours colour-matched to Colorbond® roof or tiled roof colours. Metal roof gutter guard kits include the mesh, trims, and saddles secured with roofing screws. Gutter guard kits for tiled roofs include the mesh, trims secured with roofing screws and tucked under the second row of tiles.

You can install gutter guards kits for many roof types, including:

  • Corrugated roofs
  • Klip-Lok® roofs
  • Timdeck®
  • Tiled Roofs
  • Flat roofs
  • Roof Valleys
  • Commercial roofs
tiled roof gutter guard

Gutter profile types

Most gutter guards are suitable for use with standard gutter profiles. For a more comprehensive gutter system protection, consider an integrated mesh system.

corrugated gutter guard

Standard guttering

  • Typical gutter widths are five and six inches
  • Seven-inch gutters found in tropical areas

Box gutters

  • Widely used in commercial properties
  • More than 500mm wide

Bull nose gutters

  • Typical in Australian heritage design,
  • Curve angle makes it more visible from the ground
  • Colorbond® gutter guards span

Parapets

  • Typical in commercial properties
  • Parapet spans more than 500mm wide
  • Suits commercial gutter guard

Other fixtures

  • Roof-to-roof
  • Roof-to-valley
  • Roof-to-wall
  • Roof-to-commercial roof
  • Roof-to-rainhead
  • Wall-to-box gutter
roof to roof gutter guard

How to install Colorbond® gutter guards

The installation plays a significant factor in the type of gutter guard system. It is the gutter guard of choice for roofers and architects Australia-wide, but it is also popular in DIY.

DIY Options

As a safety precaution, all work at heights should be completed in pairs with a roof spotter. However, DIY sites supply integrated mesh systems and mesh panels in kits.

Colorbond® gutter guards are a little more complicated for a DIY installation. Speak to an installer to learn the difficulty of your home project.

Professional gutter guard installers

box gutters

There are several options available for the professional installation of gutter guards, including:

  • Accredited gutter guard installers
  • Roofers
  • Roofing plumbers
  • Local Handypeople

Read: How to find a gutter guard installer

Single & Double Storey installations

ScreenTech® recommends professional installers for multi-storey houses. Professionals must use safety harnesses and scaffolding as per safety regulations. Many single-storey homes require scaffolding to compete in a gutter guard project, so always check requirements.

Current Working at Heights Legislation makes it more challenging to complete maintenance working at heights, including installing gutter guards.

Do not attempt to do a double-storey house without heights training.

Want to know more? ScreenTech sends out Colorbond® gutter guard samples and guides to architects and discusses projects and considerations.

Look no further than ScreenTech’s TuffMesh®, GutterMesh, SteelMesh and SolarMesh products. Our mesh suits Klip-Lok®, Timdeck® corrugated roof types and tiled roofs. Get in touch with a ScreenTech installation partner today.

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Best Gutter Guard in Australia Ultimate Guide

Typically, gutter guards work to keep leaves and debris buildup out of your guttering system, allowing the optimal flow of rainwater away from your home—but they are also widely used for bushfire protection, bird proofing, rainwater harvesting, and commercial applications.

There are many different types of gutter guards. The best gutter guard for your home will depend on gutter guard’s intended purpose, location, climate, budget and installation expectations. 

Here is a list of the types of gutter guards available in Australia:

  • Integrated mesh system
  • Ember guard system
  • Commercial-grade mesh system
  • Valley mesh system
  • Mesh panels
  • Vinyl gutter guards
  • brush gutter guards
  • Foam inserts
  • solar panel mesh

When choosing a gutter guard, homeowners and tradespeople should consider material, colour, aesthetics, environment, and location.

Continue reading for a comprehensive look at the best gutter guards in Australia and the considerations that help you choose the types of gutter guards for your project.

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Best Gutter Guard Quick Guide

  • Easiest to install: Brush Gutter Guards
  • Best for bird proofing: Integrated mesh (Commercial Grade)
  • Best for bushfire protection: Integrated Mesh Ember Guard
  • Best for leaf proofing: Integrated Mesh
  • Best for box gutters: integrated mesh (Commercial Grade)
  • Cheapest: Mesh Panels
  • Best looking: Vinyl guards

Best gutter guard types

There are several types of gutter guards common in Australia. Some categorise gutter guard products into DIY-friendly vs professionally installed gutter guards.

However, most gutter guards are DIY-friendly, some more than others. Therefore, we tend to categorise gutter guards by how they attach to the roof and gutters, such as:

  1. Gutter guards that act as gutter covers sitting above the gutter and roof
  2. Gutter guards that sit inside the gutters

Below is a list of the best Australian gutter guard types in detail:

Integrated Mesh System

integrated gutter guard

An integrated mesh system is a comprehensive, permanent gutter guard product. The integrated mesh system, often known as leaf guard, includes a micro-mesh and fixtures – trims and saddles (for metal roofs) – that protect the gutters, valleys and other roof cavities or spaces.

The system incorporates a micro-mesh fixed permanently to the outer edge of the gutter lip and roof, creating a slope that encourages leaf and debris to slide to the ground.

The integrated mesh system is a more expensive gutter guard product. However, it is the most durable, robust, sustainable gutter protection system.

 While it is a DIY gutter product, installing gutter mesh systems is typically completed by installers.

tuff mesh gutter guard

Below are the pros and cons of an integrated mesh system: 

Pros

  • Up to 25-year warranty 
  • Durable, long-lasting 
  • DIY options available 
  • Available for different roof types 
  • Various material options 
  • Colour-match available 
  • Range of hole sizes, including pine needles 
  • AS4020 products available  
  • 100% bird proofing solution 
  • Ember guard products are available 
  • Fire-rated products 
  • Protect roof valleys 
  • Protects box gutters or parapets

cons

  • Expensive
  • Difficult to Clean
  • Easy to install and maintain 
  • More challenging DIY install

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Ember Guard System

Tuffmesh ember guard gutter guard

Ember guards are custom gutter mesh products that comply with bushfire protection measures. The critical difference between an ember guard and other mesh gutter guard options is that the hole size is less than 2mm wide. The 2mm hole size prevents embers from entering and igniting leaf litter that settles in your gutter system.

For an ember guard to comply, it must be metal. Aluminium ember guards comply with BAL-29 standards and below, while steel and bronze ember guards comply with BAL-40, and BAL-FZ rated properties.

People also use ember guard on homes surrounded by pine needles, jacarandas and other flora with tiny litter as the fine mesh prevents debris buildup.

Read: Difference Between Ember Guard and Gutter Guard

Valley mesh system

integrated gutter mesh on valley roof

A valley mesh system is another integrated mesh system that protects the roof valleys.

Roof valleys require a wider mesh to span. Installers secure the mesh using corrugated, Trimdek® or Klip-lok®-style saddles on metal roofs. The mesh is tucked under the tiles and sealed with silicone for tiled roof installation.

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Mesh panels

gutter covers

There are many different types of mesh panels on the market in plastic, stainless steel or aluminium. The most common are micro mesh guards and screen gutter guard systems.

Some mesh panels attach directly to the inner or outer gutter lip resting on the metal roof or under the first or second row of a tiled roof. Other types of mesh panels clip inside the gutters.

The mesh gutter guard range in hole sizes that allow water to flow directly through the mesh and into the rain gutter beneath. Depending on the hole size.

There are two significant concerns for mesh panels:

  1. Panels create a flat surface leading to buildups on the gutter guards installed.
  2. Extreme weather conditions and strong winds can cause the panels to dislodge and become airborne.
mesh panel

Below are the pros and cons of mesh panels:

Pros

  • 5-15 year warranties
  • DIY options available
  • Many installation options
  • Different material options
  • Effective leaf proofing measures
  • Aesthetically-pleasing
  • Some fire-rated products
  • Some bird proofing options
  • Some colour matches are available
  • Available in various materials

cons

  • Expensive
  • Difficult to Clean
  • Easy to install and maintain
  • Leaves can accumulate on top and build up over time
  • Some hole sizes will not prevent finer debris like pine needles
  • Not suitable for water tanks – unless specified
  • Not ideal for areas with extreme weather or high winds
  • No 100% bird proofing solution
  • It does not protect roof valleys
  • It does not protect box gutters or parapets

Vinyl Guards

vinyl guards or reverse curve gutter guards

Vinyl guards, also known as downward curve or reverse curve gutter guards, attach to the roof, making a speedy and easy installation process for professionals. Like the mesh, the panels prevent debris from entering the gutter while allowing water to flow freely.

Although they are another cost-effective solution, vinyl guards can clog easily; clear out built-up debris. It is also not suitable for bushfire protection.

Correct installation is essential for the successful application of the gutter guard. To ensure the vinyl guards’ effectiveness, the slope must be set precisely to the roof’s angles.

Below are the pros and cons of vinyl guards:

Pros

  • 10-15 year warranty 
  • Very effective leaf proofing measure 
  • aesthetically-pleasing
  • Some colour matches are available 
  • Available in various materials 

cons

  • Expensive
  • Difficult to Clean
  • Requires professional installation and maintenance 
  • Not suitable for bird proofing 
  • Not AS4020 rated – not suitable for rainwater harvesting
  • Not ideal for bushfire protection
  • It does not protect roof valleys 
  • It does not protect box gutters or parapets 

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Brush gutter guards

Screenshot-2020-02-11-at-11.06.02-1

A brush gutter guard sits inside the existing gutters. It is a plastic gutter guard with black polypropylene bristles extending outwards from the thick metal wire core. Leaves and debris get caught in the bristles, while the rainwater flows through the gutters freely.

Brush-style gutter guards are relatively cheap and very easy to install as they only need to be inserted into the gutters. They are readily available from stores like Mitre10 and Bunnings in 10-metres or 1-metre.

Although inserted into the gutters, leaves and twigs stuck in the bristles are often visible from the ground. It also requires more regular cleaning than screen guards and is unsuitable for bushfire protection, bird proofing and rainwater harvesting.

brush gutter guard

Below are the pros and cons of brush gutter guards:

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Last 6-12 months but will require regular cleaning
  • Easy to install and remove
  • DIY-friendly
  • Fire Retardant and UV Stabilised
  • Invisible from the ground

Cons

  • Can clog
  • Difficult to Clean
  • Requires maintenance to be effective
  • Can attract pests and insects
  • Not suitable for bird proofing
  • Not AS4020 rated – not suitable around
  • Not ideal for bushfire protection
  • It does not protect roof valleys
  • It does not protect box gutters or parapets

Foam gutter guards

foam gutter guard

A foam gutter guard, also known as foam inserts, is another guard inserted into the gutter. It resembles a pool noodle and is popular for homeowners who want an easy DIY-friendly gutter guard install.

The insert sits inside the existing gutter system and is water permeable, separating the leaves and debris above. The foam barrier is straightforward to install gutter guards because they fit the size of a standard gutter.

Some downsides include the foam guard attracting mould and plant growth if not regularly changed. So, you will need to clean them and replace them periodically. The foam insert’s shape is flat, so the debris will build up on the top of the guard and become visible from the ground. Lastly, it is also a fire risk and should not be used in areas prone to bushfire alerts.

foam inserts

Below are the pros and cons of foam gutter guards

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Last 6-12months but will require regular cleaning
  • Easy to install and remove
  • DIY-friendly
  • Fire Retardant and UV Stabilised
  • Invisible from the ground

Cons

  • Can trap water
  • Can Trap Roof Oil
  • Difficult to Clean
  • Requires maintenance to be effective
  • Can grow mould
  • Can attract pests and insects
  • Not suitable for bird proofing
  • Not AS4020 rated – not suitable around
  • Not ideal for bushfire protection
  • It does not protect roof valleys
  • It does not protect box gutters or parapets

Solar Mesh

While SolarMesh is not a traditional gutter guard product, it is a necessary addition to gutter protection and bird proofing. The solar mesh protects solar panels from birds, leaves and debris collecting underneath the panels.

Solar mesh has a larger hole that ensures unrestricted airflow and sunlight, so the panels don’t overheat, reducing energy output.

The solar mesh also attaches with clips, unlike the fixtures for gutter covers, gutter screens and gutter guards. These clips avoid compromising the solar panels and voiding the warranty.

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Gutter guard solution

The best gutter guards offer more than one gutter guard solution, including;

  • leaf proofing
  • bird proofing
  • bushfire protection against ember attack
  • rainwater harvesting
  • solar panel protection
  • reduce gutter cleaning
  • reduce maintenance
  • preventing water damage
  • increase safety
  • increase the lifespan of your roof and gutter system

Leaf proofing

A leaf guard or gutter guard prevents blocked gutters and other debris buildups from guttering systems. It significantly reduces gutter cleaning and maintenance.

It is often installed to increase leaf guards to protect the gutter systems from heavy downpours and debris buildup for a more extended gutter and downpipe lifespan.

Reduce gutter cleaning, maintenance & damage

Gutter guards prevent debris and leaves from entering the guttering system. Clogged gutters are a maintenance concern for businesses and homeowners, and regular cleaning is every 6-12 months, depending on the area you live.

It also improves safety for maintenance teams and residents, keeping people on the ground instead of working at heights to clean blocked gutters.

Areas prone to heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions are also at risk of water damage, including structural damage.

gutter cleaning service

Bushfire protection against ember attack

An ember guard is the most effective bushfire protection against ember attacks from airborne burning embers igniting litter in unprotected gutters. Gutter protection is the only measure to protect your home from burning embers.

An ember guard is tested and certified as an Australian fire-rated guard with BAL ratings and Fire Rating Flame Index “0” for bushfire-prone areas.

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Bird proofing

Another common reason for gutter guard is bird proofing. Brush and foam gutter guards are unsuitable for bird proofing as birds and vermin can easily remove them from the gutters.

Integrated mesh gutter guards prevent birds from gaining access to the roof and nesting in the gutters and valleys. It also encourages healthy water flow.

The mesh material surface is specially-manufactured to deter bird nesting and perching. When applied with other bird prevention methods such as spikes and solar panel protection, it can provide 100% complete bird protection. Installers can only offer a 100% bird proofing guarantee if all possible entry points are covered with mesh.

It is impossible to vermin-proof your home with the gutter guard as other entry points are available through the foundations and walls. However, preventing overflowing gutters reduces the risk of vermin and pests nesting in your gutters and roof.

bird proofing from birds nesting

Rainwater harvesting

Gutter guards protect rainwater harvesting systems from contaminants and are a complete system’s first component. Any gutter guard with a water tank for home or drinking water must comply with AS4020 water standards. Plastic gutter guards do not meet these standards, but not all metal gutter guards will.

Always ask for Australian water standard certificates if using your gutter guard to filter tank water used in the home.

rainwater harvesting Australia

Commercial gutter guard

Commercial installation differs from a residential installation with roof types and gutter profiles. The installer attaches gutter protection with a ski slope angle to the gutter front lip or roof side, creating a permeable protective barrier to the other roof. The process is similar to residential installation.

The difference is most commercial projects require a commercial-grade guard, including using a combination of bracing and fixing options. This is due to the more significant gaps and gutter systems on commercial properties vs residential buildings.

Solar panel protection

Solar panel protection is an additional roof and gutter protection measure as part of a leaf and bird proofing solution. The solar mesh protects solar panels from birds, leaves and debris collecting underneath the panels. It is also suitable for bushfire-prone areas as it prevents buildup underneath.

Solar mesh has a larger hole that ensures unrestricted airflow and sunlight, so the panels don’t overheat, reducing energy output.

The solar mesh also attaches with clips, unlike the fixtures for gutter covers, gutter screens and gutter guards. These clips avoid compromising the solar panels and voiding the warranty.

solar panel protection with solar mesh

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Gutter guard materials

There are several types of gutter guard materials, including:

  • plastic
  • aluminium
  • Colorbond® steel
  • Stainless steel
  • galvanised steel
  • bronze
  • copper

The type of gutter guard material you need will depend on various factors.

Plastic gutter guards

bunnings gutter guard
  • Plastic gutter guards are common in DIY – especially foam and brush. However, they are not the best solution for anything other than keeping clean gutters. These types of gutter guards will need regular cleaning.
  • Plastic gutter mesh is also commonly used in coastal applications where metal gutter guards corrode more quickly due to the high salt concentration. It is also used on galvanised roof types to prevent reactions between the mesh and roof material.

Aluminium gutter guards

  • Aluminium gutter guards are the most popular metal for gutter guard protection due to their ability to span and fit the roof profile. Aluminium mesh is Colorbond® powder-coated to increase strength and durability and to retain its colour for longer.

Steel gutter guards

  • Colorbond® powder coated steel is the most common steel type used in the gutter mesh. The powder-coating provides added protection and retains its colour for longer. Steel mesh is also used for BAL-40 and FZ-rated properties.
  • Stainless steel gutter guard is not the most durable gutter guard type and will have a shorter lifespan compared to other steel and aluminium products. Stainless steel mesh corrodes more quickly in regular weather conditions. It is also unsuitable for heavy rain areas or where large debris overhangs the roof.
  • Galvanised steel gutter guards products on galvanised roofs, where stainless steel and aluminium roofs will react and corrode more quickly with the metal.
yarra ranges special school Tuffmesh ember case study

Bronze gutter guards

  • Bronze, like steel, is used to comply in BAL FZ-rated bushfire areas. Bronze ember guards require professional installation and are generally more expensive than steel ember guards.

Copper gutter guards

  • Copper gutter guards are rare and expensive. Copper screen gutter guards are custom-made for copper gutters, also more unusual in Australia but more common in American gutter protection.

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Roof types

Tiled roof

tiled roof gutter guard

There are many tiled roofs; some make gutter guard installation more challenging than others, such as Spanish tile. The integrated mesh system is the best gutter guard that seals to the tiles and does not void tiled roof warranties.

However, we always advise that you get advice from a professional before installing gutter guards on a tiled roof.

Installers secure the mesh to the gutter edge with a colour-matched trim and typically under the second tile of roofs. Silicone seals the mesh to the tile preventing moisture and air from penetrating the roof.

Trimdek® roof

Trimdek commercial gutter guard

Most gutter guard products are suitable for use with trimdek®. A trimdek® gutter guard will also suit a Spandek® roof profile.

Installers secure the gutter mesh to the trimdek® or spandek® roof using trim and trimdek® saddles and screws in Colorbond® colours.

Corrugated roof

Most gutter guard products are suitable for use with flat roofs.

Installers secure the gutter mesh to a corrugated roof using trim and corrugated saddles and screws in Colorbond® colours.

corrugated gutter guard

Klip-lok® roof

Most gutter guard products are suitable for use with Klip-lok® roofs and suit Lysaght®, Fielders KingKlip®, Metroll Metlok®, Revolution Revklip and Stramit Speed Deck Ultra®.

Installers secure the gutter mesh to a corrugated roof using trim and Klip-lok® saddles and screws in Colorbond® colours.

At ScreenTech, we use our Super-dek® clip with dibble ribbing to ensure maximum strength.

Flat roof

Most gutter guard products are suitable for use with flat roofs.

Saddles, brackets, or screws secure the mesh against the flat roof profile to ensure no leaves can get into the guttering.

Valleys

integrated plastic gutter mesh

An integrated gutter mesh system is the only gutter guard that protects the valleys and the gutters. Roof valleys require a wider mesh to span. Installers secure the mesh using corrugated, trimdek® or Klip-lok®-style saddles on metal roofs or tuck the mesh under the tiles, sealing with silicone.

Other fixture types

Other gutter guard fixture types include:

  • Roof-to-roof
  • Roof-to-gutter
  • Roof-to rainhead
  • Roof-to-commercial roof
  • Roof-to-box gutter
  • Wall-to-box gutter

An integrated mesh system is the only gutter guard system able to span across all these fixture points and will require professional installation. ScreenTech pioneered bracing and installation techniques for all these fixture types. Speak to us if your project contains any of the following fixtures.

roof to roof gutter guard

Gutter profiles

Standard guttering

Most gutter guards are suitable for use with standard gutter profiles. For a more comprehensive gutter system protection, consider an integrated mesh system.

Typical gutter widths are five and six inches. However, seven-inch gutters are found in tropical areas that receive a lot of rain. Measure your gutters to ensure that the guard you buy will fit properly.

Box gutters

box gutters

Box gutters suit a commercial-grade gutter guard more than 500mm wide.

A commercial gutter guard is suitable for a 750mm wide gap without sagging while maintaining its strength and durability over time.

Bull nose gutters

The bull nose gutter profile is typical in Australian heritage design, but the angle curve makes it unstable and visible from the ground for most other gutter guards.

An integrated mesh system is better suited to a bull nose gutter as it is less visible, more secure and spans across the roof and gutter profile.

Parapets

Most suitable for a commercial grade gutter guard, especially if the parapet spans more than 500mm wide.

A commercial gutter guard is suitable for a 750mm wide gap without sagging while maintaining its strength and durability over time.

Rain heads and downpipes

rain head box gutter gutter guard

An integrated gutter guard is most suitable for rain heads and downpipe gutter protections because the mesh and fixtures can span across the gaps without sagging.

We recommend getting advice from professional installers for these areas.

Need gutter guard installed?

Gutter guard installation

The installation plays a significant factor in the type of gutter guard system you choose. All the gutter guards have DIY gutter guard options available; however, the vinyl guard and the integrated gutter guard is often considered best installed by a professional.

DIY Options

brush gutter guard

Avid DIYers will need an appropriate ladder and experience working at heights. As a safety precaution, any work done at heights should be completed in pairs with a roof spotter. The brush guard and foam inserts are the easiest to install. However, DIY sites supply integrated mesh systems and mesh panels in kits.

DIY gutter guards include:

  • Integrated mesh system
  • Valley mesh system
  • Brush gutter guard
  • Foam inserts
  • Vinyl gutter guard
  • Mesh panels and other mesh clip ons

The solar mesh should not be installed yourself, as it will void the panel’s warranties. Likewise, commercial gutter guards require specialised bracing and should only be installed by a professional.

Some gutter guards, such as brush guards and foam inserts, are easy to install. Other gutter guard types, such as the integrated mesh system, are a little more complicated for a DIY installation. Speak to an installer to learn the difficulty of your home project.

Professional gutter guard installers

best gutter guard commercial grade

There are several options available for the professional installation of gutter guards, including:

  • Accredited gutter guard installation companies
  • Roofers
  • Roofing plumbers
  • Local Handymen

Single & Double Storey installations

ScreenTech recommends professional installers for double-storey houses or higher. Harnesses and scaffolding should be used where safety regulations require it.

Working at heights measures have changed in the last five years, making it more challenging to complete maintenance work at heights, including installing gutter guards. Many single-storey houses require scaffolding to compete in a gutter guard project, so always check the requirements from your local council or state.

Do not attempt to do a double-storey house without heights training.

Other important consideration

Now that you know about the different types of gutter guards consider the following factors before making a final purchasing decision.

Warranty

Most DIY gutter guards will not include a warranty because they’re a temporary solution. The integrated mesh system has the best warranty, 10-25 years.

Always be wary of gutter guards that claim more than a 25 -year warranty, as it is unlikely to have been tested on roofs that long.

Professionally installed guards should also come with a workmanship warranty or guarantee for the products of up to 20 years.

Professional gutter guard installers

Your home’s curb appeal should be equally important to you, so choose guards that blend into your roof aesthetics or remain hidden from the ground. An integrated gutter guard includes powder-coated mesh that matches the roof and gutter Colorbond® or tile colours.

Also, remember that your roof and gutters may be different colours, so order trim, mesh and saddles to ensure they blend into the exterior.

Australian climates and environments

  • Coastal areas: Plastic mesh is better suited to areas with high salt concentration and ensures it doesn’t rust quickly.
  • Tropical climates: a more permanent solution, like an integrated mesh system, is better for an environment with
  • Dry, dusty climates: Dry and dusty settings make gutter protection more challenging.
  • Hail and extreme weather: Mesh panels and brush gutter guards can become airborne in wild winds and are considered dangerous.

Overall Best Gutter Protection– Integrated Mesh Gutter Guard

At ScreenTech, we firmly recommend an integrated mesh system as the most effective and durable gutter guard solution.

Integrated mesh guards can come in various materials, such as ScreenTech’s GutterMesh and TuffMesh® ranges, including aluminium, Colorbond® steel, and poly. Each range includes

ScreenTech’s TuffMesh® range is the best commercial-grade gutter guard in Australia. It is only available for professional installation and not as a DIY option.

Categories
Blog

Difference Between Ember Guard and Gutter Guard

Bushfires devastate the country and hurt millions of homeowners with thousands of Aussie businesses and homes destroyed. 70% of residents living in bushfire risk zones are unaware of the importance of ember guard against flammable debris. Educate your customers on the significance of ember guards vs gutter guards.

So, what is the difference between gutter guards & ember guards? The primary difference is the aperture size in the gutter mesh. An ember guard compliant mesh must have a hole size of 2mm or less, while there is no size requirement for gutter guards.

A gutter guard stops leaves and debris from blocking gutters, while an ember guard prevents ember attacks in bushfire-prone areas. Ember attacks occur when windborne embers ignite unprotected gutters and gaps in homes and buildings.

There are minor differences between the two gutter mesh types, including non-combustible material requirements and BAL ratings for bushfire-prone areas. Continue reading to understand better the difference between your gutter guard products: ember guard mesh & gutter guard mesh.

Read: Ultimate guide to the best gutter guard in Australia

Gutter Guard Vs Ember Guard

The table below details the differences between ScreenTech’s gutter guards and ember guards. Some variations will exist between other gutter protection systems on the market.

Gutter Guard

Ember guard

Base Material

aluminium & polyethylene

aluminium, steel or bronze

Aperture size requirement

No size minimum

maximum 2mm

Application Type

ember guard or gutter guard

ember guard or gutter guard

Coating/Colouring 

powder coating D1010 or Colorbond® steel, no coating 

powder coating D1010

Manufacturing Technique(s) 

expanded or extruded 

expanded, expanded single direction or machine-woven or extruded

Best Fit Solutions 

leaf guard, rainwater harvesting, bird & pest proofing, reduce maintenance & safety 

ember proofing, leaf guard against fine debris, bird, pest & possum proofing, reduce maintenance & safety 

Warranty

10-25-years

15-years

Bushfire Tested

AS3959-2018 compliant 

 AS 3959-2018 compliant

Gutter Guard Bushfire attack level (BAL) suitability

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40, BAL-FZ

Ember Guard Bushfire attack level (BAL) suitability

N/A

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40, BAL-FZ

Need gutter guard installed?

What is Ember Guard Protection?

According to Australian Standard AS3959-2009, ember guards must cover any opening or roof cavity to protect from burning embers. In bushfire prone areas, 85% of homes burn down through windborne embers and not via direct contact with the bushfire.

Ember guards protect from burning embers meeting Australian Standards. Corrosion-resistant ember guards are non-combustible gutter mesh covers for roof ventilation openings, fascia, valleys, ridges, and hips. You can also intrinsically ember-proof roof ventilators, vent pipes, vented roof lights, roof light glazing and eaves ventilation openings.

 

Ensuring that houses are adequately protected from a bushfire is the best solution to such fire hazards. Installing ember guards to meet Australian standards is the best protective solution to the problem.

 

Read: Colorbond® Gutter Guards Complete Guide

Ember Guards & Bushfire Attack Levels

Like gutter guards protect homes for a range of solutions, different ember guards meet different bushfire ember attack levels from BAL 12.5 to FZ BAL rated. These BAL standards are specified for new homes as a bushfire proofing measure. 

 

The Australian Standard AS3959-2009 mandates a different gutter guard product for a different BAL rating. For example, gutter guards in BAL 12.5 rated areas must have seal gaps that are more than 3 mm, such as that in roof sheeting, but BAL-Flame Zone ember guard mesh must be 2mm, steel or copper and cover all roof and gutter cavities.

Choose the right ember guard for your BAL rating:

  • BAL-LOW indicates low risk from burning embers, radiant heat, or flames, and your gutter guard choice should suit your gutter protection needs and not be restricted by ember guard requirements.
  • BAL-12.5 indicates some risk of ember attack, burning debris or radiant heat up to 12.5KW/m2, and aluminium ember guards comply with BAL 12.5.
  • BAL-19 suggests a risk of ember attack, burning debris or radiant heat up to 19KW/m2 with aluminium or steel ember guard complies with BAL 29.
  • BAL-29 means a high risk of ember attack, burning debris or radiant heat up to 29KW/m2 and aluminium or steel ember guards comply with BAL 29.
  • BAL-40 signifies extreme risk of ember attack, burning embers or radiant heat up to 29KW/m2 and only complies with steel or bronze ember guard mesh.
  • BAL-FZ means a severe risk of ember attack, burning embers and radiant heat over 40 kW/m2 and only comply with steel or bronze ember guard mesh.

Read: Plastic vs metal gutter guards | What’s best?

 

Other ember guard application

The smaller hole size is also useful for other gutter guard solutions. Aluminium ember guards protect against fine-leaf trees like pines, jacarandas, and she-oaks. The smaller mesh hole size encourages other leaves and debris to filter through only a minimal rainwater runoff

 

Read: What is commercial-grade gutter guard?

Need gutter guard installed?

Ember proof with steel mesh

The mesh must be bronze or steel to be BAL-40 And BAL-FZ ember guard-compliant mesh. You must install steel or bronze ember guards if your customer’s home is located in a BAL-40 or BAL-FZ-rated bushfire-prone area.

 

Read: Difference between aluminium vs steel gutter guard

Steel mesh vs aluminium ember guard

The table below details the differences between ScreenTech’s SteelMesh and TuffMesh® Ember guards. Some variations will exist between other gutter protection systems on the market.

SteelMesh Emberguard

TuffMesh® Emberguard

Base Material

Colorbond® steel

aluminium

Aperture 

1.9 mm

1.6 mm

Application Type

ember guard or gutter guard

ember guard or gutter guard

Coating/Colouring 

N/A

powder coating D1010

Manufacturing Technique 

expanded

expanded single direction

Strand width 

1.4 mm

1.5 mm

Strand thickness

0.55 mm

0.7 mm

Mesh Weight

2500 gsm

1000 gsm

Warranty

15-years

25-years

Max size

600 x 1200 mm sheets

103 cm x 2200 mm Sheets

Standard Widths in mm

250, 500, 1000

custom width in 25mm increments

Bushfire Tested

AS3959-2018 compliant 

 AS 3959-2018 compliant

Gutter Guard Bushfire attack level (BAL) suitability

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40, BAL-FZ

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29

Ember Guard Bushfire attack level (BAL) suitability

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40, BAL-FZ

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29

Should you choose an ember guard or gutter guard?

At ScreenTech, choosing a gutter or ember guard comes down to the solution you require. 

Ask yourself this: 

  • What type of gutter guard solution do you need? 
  • Do you know the BAL ratings for your customer’s area? 
  • Are you in a BAL-40 or BAK-FZ rated area? 
  • Do trees with fine debris surround the property? 

If you are not sure whether you need an ember guard or gutter guard, contact ScreenTech for free advice. 

Need gutter guard installed?

Want to know more? ScreenTech sends out Colorbond® gutter guard samples and guides to architects and discusses projects and considerations.

Look no further than ScreenTech’s TuffMesh®, GutterMesh, SteelMesh and SolarMesh products. Our mesh suits Klip-Lok®, Timdeck® corrugated roof types and tiled roofs. Get in touch with a ScreenTech installation partner today.