Tag: Commercial gutter guard

Blog

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

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 11 August 2023

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.

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.

Read: Best Gutter Guards in Australia Ultimate Guide

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.

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.

Tags bushfire protection, Commercial gutter guard, gutter guard, leaf guard

Blog

Bunnings Gutter Guard Range Review

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 25 October 2022

The first place people look for a gutter guard is Bunnings. Bunnings boast a wide selection of affordable DIY gutter guards. However, some are far more effective than others and more suitable for a specific gutter guard solution.
Let us take you through Bunnings’ gutter guard range and highlight the pros and cons of each product.

Bristle Gutter Guard

Approx. $15 per metre

The Whites Bristle Gutter Guard, also known as a brush gutter guard, is one of the cheapest solutions. It is made from a fire-retardant core and bristles designed to trap leaves and debris while allowing water to flow through the gutters. It makes for an easy installation as it slots directly into your gutter.

The bristles can also help to deter smaller birds from nesting in the gutters. However, the strands attract other pests, such as insects and mosquitoes. While the gutter guard is fire-retardant, it is not recommended in bushfire-prone areas as leaves and debris caught in the bristles are easily ignited through an ember attack. It, therefore, requires regular maintenance and cleaning and the lifespan is also limited to a few years.

With the average Australian home’s guttering system around 30 metres, you can expect to pay approximately $450 for the entire house.

Read: What is a commercial-grade gutter guard?

Compare Bunnings’ range to our TuffMesh® range.

Gutter Foam Inserts

Approx. $11.45 per metre

Another cheap option is the Foam Insert, which costs you around $11.50 per metre. The Bunnings Whites foam guards are fire retardant and UV stabilised. Similarly, foam inserts filter the leaves entering the guttering system while allowing water to flow freely.

The downside of most gutter foam inserts is that the flat surface forms at the top of the gutter, where leaves and debris can build up. Additionally, the inserts can make the perfect habitat for mould, fungi and weed growth. Foam guards will require regular maintenance and cleaning, significantly reducing their lifespan.

Compare Bunnings’ range to our GutterMesh range.

Whites StayMesh

Approx. $7-$14.5 per metre

You can purchase StayMesh in either plastic or aluminium, and it’s designed to slot directly into the gutter in preformed 1-metre packs. The installation is fast as the guard is placed in the gutter. The product reviews highlight its easy installation methods.

The aluminium stay mesh comes in silver. It complies with StandardAS3959 but does not provide mesh hole sizes. Therefore, it may need to meet ember guard specifications or drinking water standards which customers should investigate if they require that type of gutter guard solution. The mesh does not specify powder coating, which may reduce durability and lifespan. No product warranty is specified.

The Plastic StayMesh option is UV stabilised, which helps improve the guard’s lifespan; however, all plastic guards have shorter lifespans. Again, this product does not specify a warranty. Like foam guards, the flat surface works well to disperse most debris, but a build-up can occur without regular maintenance – you can see this reflected in the product reviews.

Compare Bunnings’ range to our SteelMesh range.

GumLeaf Colorbond® Sheets

Approx. $20-25 per metre

GumLeaf 1200mm Colorbond® Metal Corrugated Gutter Guard uses precision scalloping that contours to a corrugated roof and is secured with roofing screws. It recommends silicone to seal it in place. You can also purchase Gumleaf corrugated saddles for a more aesthetic finish. However, it comes in limited colours for colour-matching and is sold separately. It is also suitable for tiled roof installation; folded to slip under the first row of tiles and secured to the gutter lip with roofing screws.

It is supplied in 1.2-metre lengths and made of strong BlueScope Colorbond® steel material in over Colorbond® colours: one of its best features and benefits.

Unlike other Bunning gutter guards, it comes with a 20-year warranty for the mesh. The GumLeaf Gutter Guard is CSIRO fire-rated zero, and the 2mm hole size complies with ember guard ratings. However, ensure that the installation method complies with your area’s BAL ratings.

Colorbond® Metal Corrugated Gutter Guard states its suitable for water tank systems. However, the product does not specify AS4020 drinking standard certificates. If you require these certificates enquire at the Bunnings special orders desk.

A consideration from reviews indicates that the mesh material is hard to meld to the corrugated roof shape. This is true of many Colorbond® steel gutter guards.

Compare Bunnings’ range to our TuffMesh® range.

Blue Mountain Co Gutter Mesh Kit

Approx. $26 per metre

The Blue Mountain Co Gutter Mesh kit is a special order product made from Colorbond® steel for corrugated and tiled roofs and an aluminium kit for Trimdek® roofs. Unlike other products in the Bunning gutter guard range, it is supplied as a kit with mesh, trims, saddles/clips and roofing screws sold in 10, 15 and 30-metre rolls. A Valley mesh is also available.

It boasts an impressive 30 Colorbond® colour range, and the mesh’s 2mm aperture size complies with ember guard specifications meeting Australian Standard AS3959-2009, compliant for non-combustibility. It also has an impressive 20-year product warranty.

Colorbond® steel is widely considered a niche gutter guard product for ember guard BAL40 & FZ zones. The steel is more challenging to work with and is less malleable and flexible to fix the roof and gutter profile. Therefore, many professional installers prefer aluminium to Colorbond® steel unless specified. Colorbond® steel is also a more expensive product compared to aluminium mesh.

Fielders Watergate Leaf Guard

Approx. $5 per metre

Fields Watergate Leaf Guard is a mesh panel in zinc-preformed 1-metre packs. The installation is fast as the guard is placed in the gutter. The product reviews highlight its easy installation methods.

This product does not meet ember guard standards and is unsuitable for Bushfire prone areas and rainwater harvesting systems where rainwater is used for household use. The mesh does not specify powder coating, which may reduce durability and lifespan. No product warranty is specified.

Like foam guards, the flat surface works well to disperse most debris, but a build-up can occur without regular maintenance – you can see this reflected in the product reviews.

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

Compare Bunnings’ range to our SteelMesh range.

Whites Fire Guard Gutter Mesh

Approx. $2-4 per metre

The Whites Fire Gutter Guard is easy to install and conforms to Australian standards for use in bushfire-prone areas, tested and certified by CSIRO to AS1530.2 with a flammability index of 1. It comes in two sizes to fit wider gutters and valleys. To install, cut with tin snips, bend by hand, shape & insert into the gutters. It is a good value-for-money solution.

While it conforms with Australian standards, the Fire Guard Gutter Mesh does not comply with ember guard standards with a 6.5mm aperture. The larger aperture will also have difficulty filtering smaller foliage and debris like pine needles.

Whites Ember Mesh Ultra

Approx. $15 per metre

Whites Ember Mesh Ultra Covers is an ember guard with 2mm aperture that prevents the entry of burning embers from openings and gutters. It is corrosion-resistant Stainless Steel wire with a black powder-coated finish that Ember Mesh Ultra complies with Standard AS3959 – 2009/2011. It is installed by hand – shaped & inserted into the gutters.

Unlike mesh kits, this ember guard requires shaping before gutter insertion, which some DIY customers may find difficult due to the robust and unmalleable stainless steel material. It is also important to note that this gutter guard has no product warranty.

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

Tags Commercial gutter guard, DIY gutter guard, gutter guard, leaf guard

Blog

10 Architectural considerations for gutter mesh

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 8 October 2022

An integrated mesh system is a comprehensive, permanent gutter guard product loved by architects as a permanent and aesthetically-appealing solution. A complete system, also known as a leaf guard, includes a micro-mesh and fixtures – trims and saddles.

It is the most durable and sustainable gutter protection system for all roof types, including corrugated, trimdek®, Klip-Lok®, tiled, roof valley areas and more.

Here are ten considerations when selecting a gutter mesh for your integrated gutter mesh system for your next project:

Strength

What type of strength is required? A standard strength gutter guard is sufficient for most domestic applications, but properties that include box gutters or parapets will need a stronger commercial strength gutter guard for additional strength.

Commercial-grade gutter guard is 50% stronger and therefore doesn’t sag spanning gaps over 500mm wide, which increases strength and durability over time. ScreenTech’s TuffMesh® range is the best commercial-grade gutter guard on the Australian market.

Read: What is a commercial-grade gutter guard?

See our TuffMesh® range.

Malleableness

The key to an integrated gutter mesh system is the mesh’s ski-slope permanently fixed to the outer edge of the gutter lip and roof or roof tiles. The slope encourages leaves and debris to slide to the ground while ensuring water does not sheet over the top of the gutter guard.
Installers must shape the mesh to specific roof areas. An aluminium mesh is more easily malleable. However, brittle materials like steel may be required for ember guard situations where an aluminium solution may not work.

Order a sample pack with commercial and standard gutter mesh samples.

Lifespan

Gutter guard lifespan varies across products and materials. Typically, a comprehensive gutter guard, like an integrated gutter guard system, come with a 10-to-15-year warranty. Ember guards also include similar warranties between a 10-to-15-year warranty.

A commercial solution, both ember guard and gutter guard, typically includes an extended warranty of up to 25 years. We recommend matching the guttering, roof and gutter guard warranties. Thus, the best time to install a gutter guard is during construction.

Order a sample pack with commercial and standard gutter mesh samples.

Colour

Gutter guards come in an array of Colorbond® colours for corrugated, Klip-Lok® and Trimdek® roofs. ScreenTech also includes speciality colours such as terracotta for tiled roofs and zinc or uncoated.

ScreenTech boasts an impressive colour range of 25 colours. We also partner with topcoat powder-coating in Melbourne and can custom powder coat to any colour as a particular order on some products.

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

Need gutter guard installed?

Appearance

A gutter guard can vary in appearance depending on the mesh thickness and the hole aperture size. ScreenTech encourages architects to use gutter guard photo guides for the best aesthetics.

Weather Resistance

The location, climate and weather conditions will affect your choice of material. Areas prone to severe hailstorms require a thicker mesh and would benefit from commercial-grade gutter mesh. Similarly, gutter guards in tropical regions suit integrated mesh systems with larger hole sizes to minimise sheeting during storms and heavy downpours.

Coastal applications in areas with high salt concentrations are more susceptible to rust and corrosion, so polyethylene gutter mesh is more suitable and durable. Larger hole sizes are also more suited to minimise sheeting during storms and heavy downpours.

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

Need gutter guard installed?

Rain harvesting

Gutter guards in rain harvesting systems must have an AS4020 rating for potable water use. Many property owners also like to use an AS4020-rated system for water used around children, pets or bathroom appliances.

Plastic gutter guards do not meet Australian drinking water standards. However, not all metal gutter guards meet these standards either. Always ask for Australian water standard certificates if using your gutter guard to filter tank water used in the home.

BAL Rating

Buildings in bushfire-prone areas must use a BAL-rated gutter guard. Aluminium gutter guards and ember guards are suited to BAL12 and BAL29 areas. BAL40 & BALFZ-rated areas require steel or copper gutter mesh to comply with Australian standards.

Unlike gutter guards, ember guards have a hole size less than 2mm wide. The 2mm hole size prevents burning embers from igniting leaf litter that settles in your gutter system. Ensure the local planning requirements to determine your site’s type of ember guard category and build requirements.

Read: Ember Guard Case Study: Yarra Ranges Special School

Pest Control

A gutter guard is excellent for pest control measures, but choosing the right gutter mesh the kind of pest you are proofing. For small birds, a standard-thickness gutter guard is appropriate. However, proofing against larger pests such as possums, rats, and larger birds requires a thicker commercial-grade mesh to help ensure the property remains pest-free.

A 100% bird-proofing solution is possible if all access points to the roof, eaves and walls are protected. A 100% bird proofing also requires a solar panel bird mesh that covers and protects your solar panel from birds nesting underneath.

Read: Do all new homes need bird proofing?

Arboreal Factors

Leaf proofing considers a property’s surrounding trees and vegetation for seeds and leaves and the aperture size of the mesh.

For example, pine tree debris suits an ember guard with a smaller hole size. In contrast, a standard gutter guard will sufficiently proof eucalyptus trees larger pods and leaves. A more robust and thicker mesh is more suitable and durable if large gum tree branches surround your property.

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

Tags architecture, Commercial gutter guard, gutter guard, leaf guard

Blog

Colorbond® Gutter Guard Complete Guide

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 27 September 2022

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.

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.

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

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 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

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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.

Tags bushfire protection, Commercial gutter guard, gutter guard, leaf guard

Case study

GutterMesh Case Study: WA Govt. Quarantine Centre

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 7 June 2022

GutterMesh Emberguard solution for the WA Quarantine Facility.

ScreenTech supplied the WA quarantine facility with GutterMesh EmberGuard to increase bushfire and ember attack protection and reduce maintenance and cleaning of eucalyptus trees.

Summary

Project

‘Centre for National Resilience’ Facility Project, WA

Location

Bullsbrook, WA

Roof profile

Span-dek®

Colorbond® Colour

Monument®

Gutter Mesh Length

+3000m

Gutter guard solution

TuffMesh® Emberguard meeting BAL-29 bushfire attack levels.

Challenge

Construction on the 500-bed ‘Centre for National Resilience’ facility in Bullsbrook began in October 2021, with the new completion date set for June 2022.

Located in Bullsbrook, an area with a BAL-29 rating. The site is located around native eucalyptus trees that can cause blockages during the storm season.

The low pitch spandek roofs and large box gutters can block with leaves from overhanging gum trees, which has caused water to back up and inundate the buildings causing major damage to the facility.

Due to the nature of the facility, maintenance minimisation was a crucial consideration for the project also minimising the risk of falls at heights from staff.

Need commercial gutter guard installed?

Solution

ScreenTech recommended the GutterMesh Emberguard with a 1.9mm hole size to meet the facility’s ember guard solution for buildings throughout the centre.

The gutter guard would significantly reduce both the maintenance upkeep of constantly cleaning gutters, reduced WH&S risk to the centre, and significantly reduce the risk of ember attack and over-flow flooding in these buildings.

ScreenTech also ensured a complete colour-match with Colorbond Monument® and supplied colour-matched Super-dek clip for the span-dek roof profile.

GutterMesh EmberGuard Profile

applications

Ember guard is designed for bushfire prone areas subject to heavy ember attack with a 1.9mm aperture. The small hole size also makes it ideal to filter fine debris including pine trees and jacarandas. The mesh strength makes it ideal for possums, bird and vermin proofing, but still works during heavy downpours to ensure maximum water collection.

Features and benefits:

15 year material warranty
Manufactured to AS 3959 – 1999
UV rated
Suitable to BAL 29
CSIRO endorsed and tested
Akzo Nobel D1000 powder coating
Water catching trough to ensure maximum catchment

Specifications

LWG: 6.0mm
SWG: 3.0mm
Aperture: 1.9mm (average hole size)
Hole Size: 2mm x 2mm
Plate thickness: 1.0mm
Strand width: 0.5mm
0 Flammability Index

Colour Options:

Basalt®

Classic Cream®

Cottage Green®

Dark Brown

Deep Ocean®

Dune®

Evening Haze®

Ironstone®

Jasper®

Pale Eucalypt®

Paperbark®

Shale Grey®

Surfmist®

Wallaby®

Windspray®

Woodlands Grey®

Zinc

Supply

This product can be cut by the meter to suit any length or width and supplied in a kit.

GutterMesh is Australia’s best premium gutter mesh.

Spandek® Clip profile

Roof Compatibility

Trimdek®
Spandek®

Features and benefits:

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

Need commercial gutter guard installed?

Tags Case Study, Commercial gutter guard, gutter guard, TuffMesh

Case study

Gutter Guard Case Study: AquaRevo Estate Development

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 6 June 2022

Aluminium Gutter Guard Project at AquaRevo sustainable development estate.

The AquaRevo Estate project was a sustainable estate development combating climate change and sustainable living in a collaboration between South East Water and Villawood Properties. ScreenTech’s supplied TuffMesh Aluminium for 460 homes in Lyndhurst, southeast Melbourne with Victorian installation partner Aussie Gutter Protection.

Summary

Project

AquaRevo Sustainable Development Estate

Installation Locations

460 residential homes
Commercial roof types for the estate’s water plant features.

Property & Roof Features

Corrugated roof ®
Hips and gable form roofs
Coastal skillion roof styles
High pitched roofs
Trimdek® with large box gutters on the estates commercial roofs
Single + multiple storey

Project Time Frame

Multiple sites, built-in stages over years

Installation Partner

Aussie Gutter Protection

Gutter guard solution

TuffMesh® Aluminium mesh with AS 4020 drinking standards

Challenge

ScreenTech partnered with South East Water & Villawood Properties as the preferred supplier of a gutter guard solution for the AquaRevo project in Lyndhurst, southeast Melbourne. The AquaRevo project aims to create and model a sustainable residential development with unprecedented water efficiency combating climate change and drought.

All 460 homes in the development have a Rain-to-Water System that screens, filters and treats the rainwater for use in the home for non-drinking purposes for outdoor and indoor use. Water use includes toilets, washing machines, laundry, showers and bathing and dishwashers.

The first component of the Rain-to-Water System includes a gutter guard that filters water collected in the gutter and drainpipes from the leaves and debris. The gutter guard needed to meet Australian AS 4020 Drinking Water Standards for water use in the homes.

Other considerations for the project included architectural styles such as; the roofing aesthetics and Colorbond colours. Roof shapes with hips and gable roof forms, coastal skillion roof styles were popular choices for architects and higher pitch degrees were common features to maximise the catchment of rainwater.

Gutter profiles included standard gutter profiles and box gutters especially to maximise water catchment area.

The properties ranged from a mix of single and double-storey housing. Each house on the estate had architectural differences so all the properties had to be quoted after architect and homeowner approval. The last consideration was the timeframe, for example, the properties were built on multiple sites across multiple stages. The gutter guard needed to be fitted during the build, so our commercial estimators quoted from each homes plans.

Solution

The first component of the Rain to Hot Water System needed to filter rainwater from the gutters, downpipes and rain heads leading into the tank water.

The gutter guard must meet AS/NZS 4020 designed to test any products in contact with drinking water. The standard ensures that drinking water in contact with such products meets nationally recommended water quality values.

ScreenTech’s TuffMesh Alumuminium is tested and certified specific to the requirements of a gutter guard product:

Taste of water: Does the gutter guard release any compounds that impart discernible taste?

The appearance of water: Does the gutter guard change the colour or turbidity of the water it filters?

Growth of aquatic micro-organisms support: Does the water’s dissolved oxygen levels over 8 weeks support bacterial growth?

Cytotoxic activity of water extract: Does the water filtered by the gutter guard have any adverse effect on cell health? (water extract is placed in contact with mammalian cell lines)

Mutagenic activity: Does a AMES test show any changes to the bacteria’s genetic nature (or mutagenic activity evidence)?

Metal traces: Are there any traces of arsenic, antimony, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium and silver within Australian standard limits?

Our TuffMesh Aluminium gutter guard products are AS/NZS 4020 tested and certified.

TuffMesh® EmberGuard Profile

applications

This versatile gutter guard product is suitable for general gutter protection and commercial projects such as box gutters and parapets. The thicker mesh is most suitable against possum and vermin attack. It is highly recommended for domestic application and its flexibility and strength also makes it a suitable bird proofing solution.

Features and benefits:

Aesthetically pleasing
Powder Coating D1010
AS4020 Accredited
0 Flammability Index
MFG
20-year material warranty

Specifications

LWG: 6.25mm
SWG: 4.25mm
Manufactured to AS 3959 – 1999
Strand Thickness 0.7mm
Hole Size: 3.5mm x 3.0mm
50m rolls x 1m at 33.6kg including
Powder Coating

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

Supply

This product can be cut by the meter to suit any length or width and supplied in a kit.

Tags Case Study, Commercial gutter guard, gutter guard, TuffMesh

Case study

Ember Guard Case Study: Yarra Ranges Special Development School

Post author By screentech
Post date 19 May 2022

Ember Guard Project at Yarra Ranges Special Development School.

Eucalyptus trees and native wattle trees are the predominant tree species on the campus causing significant debris build up in gutters. ScreenTech’s installed TuffMesh Emberguard on a number of campus buildings in Victoria in conjunction with our Victorian installation partner Aussie Gutter Protection.

Summary

Project

Yarra Ranges Special Development School

Installation Locations

Library and recreational campus
Reception area, multipurpose room
Campus classrooms

Roof types

Klip-Lok® with large box gutters
Trimdek® with large box gutters
Roof-to-roof fixtures

Project Time Frame

2 weeks over the summer school holidays

Installation Partner

Aussie Gutter Protection

Gutter guard solution

TuffMesh® Emberguard mesh with a hole size of 1.9 mm

Challenge

Yarra Ranges Special Development School is located in Mount Evelyn, Victoria, in a BAL-29 rated area of the state. The site is at risk of ember attack during the Summer months. The location is also prone to heavy downpours in winter and spring. The low pitch roofs and oversized box gutters are prone to blockages from leaves from overhanging gum trees and finner debris from native wattle trees, which has caused water build up in their guttering systems and contamination in their tank water.

As a school, the oversized box gutters were also exposed to blockages from play equipment – including balls and other sporting equipment. This meant maintenance staff were consistently getting on the roof to collect play and sports equipment lodged in the box gutters or downpipes. The maintenance team wanted a solution to minimize constant gutter cleaning and maintenance. A gutter guard would also reduce members of the facilities maintenance team from climbing on the roofs and cleaning out getters once a fortnight – reducing the risk of falls.

The project also had a short timescale to completion due to the school’s budget requirements needing the project complete before the end of the fiscal year.

Solution

Our TuffMesh Emberguard has a 1.6mm aperture size that complies with the area’s BAL-20 ratings and was installed on numerous buildings throughout the campus. The school is located in a rural bushfire area and needed an Ember guard solution to meet AS 3959/1999 BAL29 rating for ember guard. We achieved a colour match with the gutters and roof, having several colour variations between the newly refurbished areas of the school and the older campus.

TuffMesh Emberguard is an unrivalled product in Australia with a 1.6mm aperture hole to ensure bushfire protection against the smallest embers. We also swaged the mesh to ensure optimal water flow and catchment as the school wanted to improve their tank water quality.

Our installation partner Aussie Gutter Protection (AGP), installed the gutter protection system within the required time frame. ScreenTech’s commercial installation manager worked closely with AGP and the school’s onsite maintenance manager to advise on bracing and installation techniques for the box gutters and roof-to-roof fixtures.

TuffMesh® EmberGuard Profile

applications

Ember guard is designed for bushfire prone areas subject to heavy ember attack with the smallest appeture size at 1.9mm aperture. The small hole size also makes it ideal to filter fine debris including pine trees and jacarandas. The mesh strength makes it ideal for possums, bird and vermin proofing, but still works during heavy downpours to ensure maximum water collection.

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

Specifications

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

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

Supply

This product is produced in a panel of 103cm allowing for overlaps and provided with joining screws, it can be cut to any width in 25mm increments and supplied in a kit.

Tags Case Study, Commercial gutter guard, ember guard, TuffMesh

Blog

Five things to look for in a wholesale gutter guard supplier

Post author By screentech
Post date 19 May 2022

When searching for anyone to work with, you must empower yourself with the right contractor. One mistake when making your selection can cost you time and money. You can do five things to ensure that you don’t end up working with a sub-par contractor.

Trade sales staff

You want to ensure that you’re getting access to a team that is dedicated and with in-depth experience. Australia is a vast, unique country, and its buildings demand a similar variety of knowledge. Whether you want to design gutters to withstand adverse weather, fires, or for longevity, a knowledgeable staff member should be able to guide you.

More than that, the staff you’re hoping to work with should be willing to provide you with advice on simple and complex situations. A supplier is more than a shop; they’re a partner in your success.

Screen Tech can provide you with 20 plus years of experience and dedicated staff. Their expertise in the industry means that they’ve learned how, when, and why of using different gutter products. Working with multiple businesses in the past means that we take our role as advisor seriously

Large warehouse stock

When working with a supplier, you want to ensure that they’ll always have what you need in stock. If you find a supplier who can’t confirm their inventory, delivery schedule, or have a constantly changing availability of stock, we’d suggest you be wary.

Screen Tech ensures that their stock is ready before, during, and after your job. Their top priority is providing what you need when you need it. As members of the building industry, we’ve learned that you never can guess when you might need something!

If you want security in your ability to provide supplies for the job, Screen Tech has you covered.

Large product range

It’s a fact of the building industry that one size never fits all. Your client is reliant upon you to choose the best product for the job – and you don’t want to have to turn them down because you can’t get what you need. Source a supplier with a large variety of high-quality products that allow you to deliver the best service to your client.

We pride ourselves on sourcing the highest quality products and keeping up to date on research and development. Our staff will guide you on what can suit the job, and you’ll be able to get back on the job quickly with next day dispatch. Due to our hard work, we have the most extensive range of gutter guard products in Australia, including fixings, to suit all roof types. Poly aluminium and steel mesh available and a range of speciality screws. If there’s something you need that we haven’t got, our dedicated staff are always available for you to chat with and source what you need.

Quality products and a good warranty

An inexperienced builder may believe that all products are the same, and the real difference is the pricing. However, we’d caution any builder to check the product warranty and, if possible, any claims history. Some companies may offer lower quality products, and their warranties and claims history reflects that.

A supplier with a warranty of 25 years, like Screen Tech, is confident in its ability to provide the highest quality product. Taking the time to check warranties will pay off as your customers won’t complain, and you won’t need to be redoing any work.

Easy ordering systems

Knowing that your receiving great products and service won’t help unless their ordering process is useable. Some suppliers don’t keep up to date with modern technology, taking time away from your customers. Screen Tech works hard to ensure an up to date service that will allow you to ditch the forms favouring a smooth online process. Our simple online system allows you to check prices and quote your customers in one fluid movement.

Overall, be selective when choosing your supplier. Their impact on your business is vast, and the wrong choice can leave you stranded. Following are five top tips that should help guide you in the right direction. If you have any questions for us, you can get in contact at sales@screentechind.com.au or (03) 9338 9348.

Tags Commercial gutter guard, wholesale gutter guard

Uncategorised

Why Roofers Should Partner with ScreenTech Gutter Guards

Post author By screentech
Post date 18 May 2022

As a roofing provider, you aim to deliver durable and safe products to your customers. The best roofs are the ones that comply with the highest standard of quality as set out by Australian Standard AS 1562.1:2018 and prevent cluttering in gutters.

With trained technicians and compliance approvals under your belt, roofing providers are ready for business and we want to help you!

What sets you apart from the competition in the market? You might provide exceptional warranties and personalised and free quotes and assessments to your customers. You may also partner with the best in the industry for the materials. But what edge can you provide so that customers needing a roofing specialist select your company?

ScreenTech Gutter Guard Partners

Adding ScreenTech gutter guard to each roof installation job can enhance your brand to your customers. It is like them buying a laptop and getting the option of selecting a personalised and well-fitted laptop case that is made from the finest waterproof material.

One-Stop Shop

With a gutter guard, your customers can shop for all their roofing needs in one place. ScreenTech gutter guard also promotes ventilation and prevents dirt and animals from being trapped in the gutter of roofs. With these added benefits, it is a sure win with customers when they have the option to include these within their packages on the spot! This prevents customers from having to have the hassle of outsourcing or reaching out to random contractors who may not understand the freshly-installed roof as well to install the gutter guard.

As a result, your customer is left with a bad experience with roofing, even though you might have done a brilliant job providing the initial roofing services.

What is Required?

Setting up the ScreenTech gutter guards onto roofing jobs is fairly simple. What’s needed is a scaffold where the roof fits, providing a mould over where the gutter guard can enmesh itself. This can be easily done with roof access, which is accessible for roofing technicians during the job. Therefore, there isn’t much set-up cost that needs to be considered when incorporating the ScreenTech gutter guard during roofing jobs.

What about Training?

Roofing technicians are not required to gain a new compliance certification to install the gutter guards with roof materials. The very same technicians who are looking after the roofing projects can look at placing the ScreenTech gutter guards along with the roofing materials. It easily fits over the edges and can be moulded over even the toughest corners! Your roofing technicians will only need to be qualified to work at heights. Therefore, training is not an additional cost when implementing the ScreenTech gutter guard into your range of products.

Give them a Choice!

Your customers might be impressed with the inclusion of the ScreenTech gutter guard into your roofing project, but what will really impress them is the breadth of choice in the product range, from colour to type. We have over 20 Colorbond colours in a wide range of materials and products. This is great for your customers as they get to choose the right product for their requirements and likings at multiple price points!

Read: Aluminium vs Steel Gutter Guards | What’s best?

Time to become a Market Leader

Including ScreenTech gutter guard in your product portfolio presents an invaluable marketing opportunity for your team. Your sales staff will be able to present these, and your marketing team will be able to use the gutter guard to market them through promotions in combined roofing packages. This can give you a one-up advantage in the roofing industry and leverage over your competitors.

Read: Best Gutter Guard in Australia Ultimate Guide

What about Stocking Up?

If your interest has been piqued, but you’re not fully convinced, know that there are absolutely no upfront costs to buying and stocking the gutter guard. We provide on-demand delivery of the ScreenTech gutter guard. With our fast turnaround time, you can be sure to get the product as needed.

If you choose to stock up on the ScreenTech gutter guard, the product does not take up much space and does not require the facilities of a warehouse – thus, the ROI is great!

ScreenTech Gutter Guards help prevent Australian bushfires

It is prudent that customers know the vital benefits of installing a gutter guard onto Australian roofs. With the onset of the recent Australian bushfires, many devastating events occurred. A ScreenTech gutter guard prevents dry leaves and debris from accumulating in roof gutters during summer months. This prevents any onset of potential fires that might start from these materials. ScreenTech gutter guard aluminium products fit the Australian fire standards and will not light into flames easily.

Adding ScreenTech gutter guards to your product range can improve your revenue with safety, variety, durability, marketing needs, and high ROI checks. It is time to add a new product to your range that will empower your roofing services to create the impact your customers want.

Read: The difference between gutter guard and ember guard

Tags Commercial gutter guard, gutter guard

Our Products

Solutions

Leaf Guard

Bird Proofing

Bushfire Protection

Solar Panel Protection

Commercial Guard

Rainwater Harvesting

Installers

Addressing Australian Klip-Lok® Roof Challenges

Technical Superiority and Applicability

Roof Compatibility

Features and benefits:

Innovation & Reinvention of Clip Design

Why It Matters to Tradesmen & Architects

Gutter Foam Inserts

Approx. $20-25 per metre

Approx. $26 per metre

Approx. $5 per metre

Approx. $2-4 per metre

Approx. $15 per metre

Strength

Malleableness

Lifespan

Colour

Colour Options:

Appearance

Weather Resistance

Rain harvesting

BAL Rating

Pest Control

Arboreal Factors

What are Colorbond® gutter guards?

Colorbond® Gutter Guard Solutions

Leaf proofing

Reduce maintenance and gutter cleaning

Reduces property damage

Bushfire Protection against ember attack

Bird proofing

Rainwater harvesting

Commercial gutter guards

Colorbond® Gutter Guard Benefits

Bushfire-rated ember guards

Tested for Australian conditions

Tested for Australian conditions

Powder-coated strength

Colorbond® Gutter Guard Warranty

Colorbond® Materials

Plastic gutter mesh

Aluminium gutter mesh

Colorbond® steel mesh

Roof Types

Gutter profile types

Standard guttering

Box gutters

Bull nose gutters

Parapets

Other fixtures

How to install Colorbond® gutter guards

DIY Options

Professional gutter guard installers

Single & Double Storey installations

Summary

Challenge

Solution

GutterMesh EmberGuard Profile

applications

Features and benefits:

Specifications

Colour Options:

Supply

Spandek® Clip profile

Roof Compatibility

Features and benefits:

Summary

Challenge

Solution

TuffMesh® EmberGuard Profile

applications

Features and benefits: