Tag: ember guard

Gutter Guard BAL-Ratings Explained

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 3 February 2024

“To buy BAL-rated gutter guards or not?” That question stumps many architects, builders, and tradespeople when planning construction in bushfire-risk areas. And you may be asking: so, what are BAL-rated gutter guards? BAL-rated gutter guards protect against ember penetration and flame exposure. They are assessed according to Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings, ensuring they meet specific material, design, and durability standards to withstand bushfire conditions.

Your choice of gutter guard systems goes beyond mere functionality in areas threatened by bushfires. It’s about selecting a system that complies with BAL ratings and significantly bolsters a building’s defence against the unpredictable nature of bushfires. This article is dedicated to demystifying the impact of BAL ratings on gutter mesh selection for professionals in the construction industry. By exploring the intersection of BAL ratings and gutter guard specifications, we aim to equip architects, builders, and tradespeople with the knowledge to make informed decisions, ensuring their projects are compliant and resilient in the face of bushfire threats.

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Understanding BAL Ratings

Bushfire Attack Level ratings are a cornerstone of Australian building standards, designed to assess a property’s risk of bushfire exposure. These ratings range from BAL-LOW, indicating minimal risk, to BAL-FZ (Flame Zone), representing the highest risk. Each level dictates specific building materials and construction techniques, including gutter guard system installations, to enhance a structure’s resilience to bushfire threats.

There are different BAL ratings, each indicating a different level of bushfire risk:

BAL LEVEL	EXPLANATION
BAL-LOW	Little to no risk.
BAL-12.5	Risk of embers, radiant heat up to 12.5KW/m² particularly those igniting surrounding vegetation.
BAL-19	Increased risk from embers and burning debris ignited by wind and potential exposure to radiant heat up to 19KW/m².
BAL-29	High risk, with increased ember attack and burning debris ignited by wind and even higher potential exposure to radiant heat up to 29KW/m².
BAL-40	Very high risk. Houses may be exposed to flames from the firefront, increased ember attack, and higher levels of radiant heat up 40KW/m².
BAL-FZ (Flame Zone)	Extremely high risk. Direct exposure to the flames from the fire front, ember attacks, and very high levels of radiant heat over 40KW/m².

The construction requirements for buildings increase with each level of BAL rating to enhance the structure’s resilience to bushfires. This may include specifications for things like the type of materials used, the design of the building, the type and placement of windows, and other features. Each state’s BAL ratings have consistent core principles across states and territories. All states and territories base their BAL ratings on the following:

Proximity to classified vegetation types.
The amount of vegetation (fuel).
The slope of the ground.
Fire danger indices.

It’s essential to note that determining the BAL rating for a property isn’t a simple matter. It considers various factors, including the type of vegetation surrounding the property, its distance from the property, and the slope of the land. If you are building or renovating in a bushfire-prone area, it’s crucial to have a professional assess the BAL rating of your property. This will ensure that you comply with local building regulations and best practices for safety.

BAL Ratings State-by-State Overview

While the foundation of BAL ratings, based on the Australian Standard AS 3959-2018, is nationally consistent, local adaptations and regulations can vary, influencing how these standards are applied:

New South Wales (NSW): Here, additional state-specific guidelines complement the national standards, ensuring that buildings are equipped to withstand local bushfire conditions.
Victoria (VIC): The introduction of the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) adds another layer to the planning and construction process, tailoring bushfire defence measures to the region’s unique landscape.
Queensland (QLD) and Beyond: Each state, including South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory, integrates the national standards with local insights, creating a nuanced regulatory environment that addresses the specific bushfire risks of each area.

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Australian Standard AS 3959-2018

The Australian Standard AS 3959-2018, “Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas,” provides guidelines on construction materials and methods suitable for various Bushfire Attack Levels (BALs). The standard categorizes bushfire risk into several BALs based on the potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. For each BAL, the standard provides requirements for various construction elements, from the site to floors, walls, windows, roofs, and more.

For the construction of roofs, including the use of a rated gutter guard and fire ember guard:

Materials: Ember guard mesh is to be made of non-combustible materials, which means they won’t ignite and spread flames. The term “non-combustible” is defined in the National Construction Code. Aluminium is generally suitable for BALs up to BAL-29. However, for BAL-40 and BAL-FZ, more robust materials, like steel or bronze, are recommended due to their higher resistance to heat and flames.
Aperture Size: The aperture size of a fire ember guard should be at most 2mm to effectively block out embers, which are a primary ignition source during bushfires.

Where to Find in the Document

The specifics regarding materials, construction methods, and other requirements are typically spread throughout the document, with sections dedicated to various construction elements.

The section on roofing (which would cover gutter and ember guard requirements) is an essential place to look.
Definitions and explanations of terms like “non-combustible” might be found towards the beginning of the document.
There may also be tables or appendices towards the end of the standard that summarize the requirements for each BAL.

To locate the exact details and specifications for ember and gutter guards, navigate to the standard section dedicated to roofing and external construction elements. However, for the precise location within AS 3959-2018, consulting the document’s table of contents or index would be the best approach.

For the utmost accuracy and to ensure compliance with the latest ember guard mesh regulations, it is always recommended to consult the standard directly or to work with a professional experienced in its application.

The Importance of Local Council Consultation

One of the most crucial steps in ensuring your project complies with BAL requirements is consulting with your local council. Local councils provide the most current and relevant BAL ratings and building requirements, which can vary significantly even within states. This step is not just about compliance; it’s about leveraging local expertise and resources to enhance the safety and resilience of your projects.

Role of Gutter Guards in Bushfire Defence

Gutter guard systems are not just about preventing clogged gutters; they’re a critical component in a property’s defence strategy against bushfires and wind-borne embers. By blocking airborne embers and preventing them from igniting debris within gutters, ember guards play a crucial role in enhancing a building’s resilience. However, it’s essential to choose the right ember guard materials. In gutter protection, ember guard products are the compliant gutter guard solution for any bushfire-prone area for gutter protection.

What is Ember Mesh?

Ember mesh refers to a specialised type of mesh designed to protect buildings and structures from the intrusion of embers during a bushfire. This mesh is typically installed over openings such as vents, eaves, and especially gutters and downpipes to prevent embers from entering and igniting materials inside or accumulating in areas that could lead to a fire.
Ember mesh is made from non-combustible materials, such as certain metals, to withstand high temperatures without igniting.

Ember mesh is characterised by its fine weave, with apertures small enough (usually not more than 2mm) to block embers’ passage while allowing for ventilation and water flow, unlike typical gutter mesh. The use of ember guard is a critical component in building design and construction in bushfire-prone areas, helping to enhance the structure’s resilience against the threat of ember attack, one of the primary ways bushfires spread to residential areas.

While aluminium guards are suitable up to BAL-29, higher-risk areas (BAL-40 and BAL-FZ) require more robust materials like steel or bronze, known for their superior resistance to heat and flames.

Ember & Gutter Guard Mesh State Specifications

Ember and gutter guard specifics can vary by state and territory, reflecting each jurisdiction’s unique fire behaviours, climates, and local experiences.

Let’s break down the key requirements or differences for ember guards in each state and territory based on the Australian Standard AS 3959-2018 and local variations:

STATE	SPECIFICATIONS
New South Wales (NSW)	Ember guards are required for buildings in bushfire-prone areas with a BAL rating of 12.5 or higher. Ember mesh is non-combustible and has a maximum aperture of 2mm. Aluminium is appropriate for BAL levels up to BAL29, but steel or bronze are used for higher BAL levels, like BAL-40 and BAL-FZ.
Victoria (VIC)	For areas with BAL-12.5 and above, non-combustible ember guards with an aperture of 2mm or less are required. Victoria emphasises a holistic approach, incorporating the Bushfire Management Overlay into planning. Aluminium is appropriate for BAL levels up to BAL29, but steel or bronze are used for higher BAL levels, like BAL-40 and BAL-FZ.
Queensland (QLD)	Queensland mandates ember guards for homes with a BAL rating of 12.5 or higher. They must be non-combustible with a maximum aperture of 2mm. Material specifics vary based on location and local council regulations, but the state typically follows the guidelines in AS 3959-2018.
South Australia (SA)	Homes in areas with BAL-12.5 and above must have ember guards. They should be constructed of non-combustible material with a maximum aperture of 2mm. Aluminium is appropriate for BAL levels up to BAL29, but steel or bronze are used for higher BAL levels, like BAL-40 and BAL-FZ.
Western Australia (WA)	Western Australia requires ember guards for homes in BAL-12.5 or higher areas. As with other states, the gutter mesh must be non-combustible and have an aperture of 2mm or less. WA has additional guidelines that supplement AS 3959-2018, and while they follow the general principles, there might be local variations or interpretations. It's advisable to consult local guidelines to be sure.
Tasmania (TAS)	Ember guard is necessary for homes in areas with BAL-12.5 or higher. They should be non-combustible and have a maximum gap size of 2mm. Aluminium is appropriate for BAL levels up to BAL29, but bronze or steel mesh are used for higher BAL levels, like BAL-40 and BAL-FZ.
Northern Territory (NT)	The NT may have less emphasis on bushfire standards due to its different climate and vegetation. However, where relevant, an ember guard with non-combustible materials and a maximum aperture of 2mm would align with the national standard.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)	The ACT requires an ember guard for homes with a BAL rating of 12.5 or higher. These gutter guards should be non-combustible with an aperture size not exceeding 2mm. Aluminium is appropriate for BAL levels up to BAL29, but steel or bronze are used for higher BAL levels, like BAL-40 and BAL-FZ.

While the general requirement for an ember guard — being non-combustible and having a maximum aperture of 2mm — is relatively consistent across all states and territories, the application, enforcement, and additional considerations can vary. It’s also important to remember that local councils may have specific gutter protection requirements or recommendations based on localised risks. Always refer to local regulations and guidelines when planning or retrofitting ember guard and gutter mesh.

Other Differences Across States

While the core BAL ratings remain the same, states and territories may:

Have Additional Local Regulations: Some jurisdictions might introduce supplementary requirements for construction, planning, and vegetation management based on local fire history, climate, and other factors.
Use Different Mapping Tools: While some states may use a broad-brush mapping approach to identify bushfire-prone areas, others might use a finer-grained approach.
Differ in Application Processes: The process to get a BAL assessment, planning permissions, or exemptions can vary between states.
Local Fire Danger Indices: Part of the BAL calculation, Fire danger indices can differ by state and region. This reflects local weather, vegetation, and fire behaviour patterns.

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Screen Tech's BAL-Rated Products

BAL LEVEL	EXPLANATION
BAL-LOW	All Screen Tech materials suitable
BAL-12.5	Tuffmesh® Emberguard, Guttermesh Emberguard
BAL-19	Tuffmesh® Emberguard, Guttermesh Emberguard
BAL-29	Tuffmesh® Emberguard, Guttermesh Emberguard
BAL-40	Steelmesh
BAL-FZ (Flame Zone)	Steelmesh

Understanding and adhering to Bushfire Attack Level ratings is more than a regulatory requirement; it’s a commitment to safety and resilience in the face of Australia’s bushfire challenges. As a supplier dedicated to providing top-tier gutter guard solutions, we encourage all architects and tradespeople to stay informed about state-specific requirements and always consult with local councils in their planning and construction process.

Are you ready to ensure your next project is bushfire-resilient with the right gutter guard solutions? Contact us today to discuss your needs, explore our range of products, and find out how we can help you meet and exceed Bushfire Attack Level requirements across Australia.

ScreenTech is an industry leader in bushfire-rated ember guard and gutter guard solutions and wholesale supply for tradespeople, architects and construction firms. Speak with one of our team members today to learn more about our aluminium TuffMesh® and GutterMesh ranges and our SteelMesh range.

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Best Gutter Guard for Pine Needles in Australia (2023 Guide)

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 2 May 2023

As a wholesale supplier of gutter guards to roofing companies and tradespeople, we understand the challenges of maintaining gutter systems in areas with high pine needle accumulation. Whether your clients are commercial or residential, providing them with a practical and durable gutter guard solution is crucial for maintaining gutter health and preventing potential water damage or bushfire protection.

In this article, we’ll discuss why the ember guard is the best gutter guard product for pine needles in Australia and compare various gutter guard types, including ember guard systems, integrated micro-mesh gutter guard systems, gutter screens, brush gutter guards, vinyl gutter guards, and foam gutter guards.

Read: Best Gutter Guard in Australia | Ultimate Guide

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What is the best gutter guard for pine needles in Australia?

Ember guards are the best gutter guards for pine needles for Australian homes. They are designed explicitly with hole size specifications to provide optimal gutter protection against burning embers, extending to pine needles and other tiny debris. The primary reason for their effectiveness lies in the small aperture size, usually around 1.9mm or 2mm, depending on the specific product. An ember guard system uses the roof’s pitch to create a ski slope effect, allowing leaves and debris to fall to the ground while keeping the gutters clear.

Pine Trees Are a Leading Cause of Clogged Gutters

There are several benefits for gutter guards, but one primary solution is leaf guard against pine needles. Pine needles can be an issue for gutters in Australia for several reasons:

Clogging: Pine needles are narrow and long and can quickly accumulate in gutters, causing blocked gutters. These clogs can obstruct the water flow, leading to water overflow, which can cause damage to the property’s foundation, fascia, soffit, and other structures.
Bushfire hazard: In areas prone to bushfires, accumulating pine needles and other dry debris in gutters can pose a significant fire hazard. Embers from nearby fires can easily ignite the dry pine needles, leading to the rapid spread of fire to the roof and the rest of the property.
Moisture retention: Pine needles can trap moisture in the gutters, which may lead to rust and corrosion, reducing the lifespan of the guttering system. Additionally, the trapped moisture can create an ideal environment for mould, mildew, and algae growth, which can cause further damage to the property and pose health risks.
Pest attraction: Combining pine needles and other organic debris in gutters can create a suitable habitat for pests, such as insects, rodents, and birds. These pests can cause damage to the property, and some may carry diseases that pose a risk to human health.
Increased maintenance: The presence of pine needles in gutters can increase the frequency of cleaning and care required to keep the guttering system functioning efficiently. This can be both time-consuming and costly for property owners.

To mitigate these issues, it is essential to install gutter guards, such as ember guards or micro-mesh guards, designed to keep pine needles and other small debris out of the gutters. These systems can help protect properties from the potential damage caused by pine needles and reduce the need for frequent gutter cleaning and maintenance.

Read: 5 Best Gutter Guards For Stratco Gutters Australia-wide

Best Gutter Guard for Pine Needles Comparison

Ember Guard

Ember guard products are widely regarded as the best gutter guards for pine needles due to their small hole size and effectiveness at keeping out debris. Ember guards are designed explicitly with hole-size specifications to provide optimal gutter protection against pine needles and other fine debris. The primary reason for their effectiveness lies in the small aperture size, usually around 1.9mm or 2mm, depending on the specific product.

The small hole size ensures that even the tiniest debris, such as pine needles, cannot pass through and enter the gutters. At the same time, it allows maximum water to flow through during heavy rainfall, ensuring efficient water collection and minimising the risk of gutter blockages.

In addition to their small aperture size, ember guards are typically made from high-quality, durable materials such as powder-coated aluminium or stainless steel mesh. The aperture size ensures they can withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat, high winds, and heavy rain while maintaining their effectiveness at keeping out pine needles and other debris.

Moreover, ember guards are designed to provide additional protection against ember attacks during a bushfire, particularly in bushfire-prone areas. They help prevent the accumulation of combustible material, such as pine needles, in the existing gutter system, which could contribute to ignition in the case of ember attacks. Ember guards safeguard properties from potential fire risks by keeping pine needles and other small debris out of the gutters.

Another reason ember guard products are favoured in Australia is their adaptability to various gutter sizes and types. Their compatibility with a wide range of gutters, including box gutters and parapets, makes them a versatile choice for tradespeople and roofing companies.

Additionally, ember guard products like TuffMesh™ Emberguard are manufactured with commercial-grade standards, ensuring robustness and resistance to extreme weather conditions. These gutter guards are also powder-coated to prevent rusting and corrosion, which is crucial in maintaining their performance in coastal areas with high salt concentrations.

Read: Can you use ember guards for solar panel protection?

Ember guards are functional and aesthetically pleasing, available in multiple Colorbond® and tiled roof colours to seamlessly blend with various roof types, tile and metal roof designs. This attention to detail enhances the overall appeal of properties while providing essential protection against debris accumulation. Furthermore, ember guard products cater to clients’ diverse needs by offering DIY and professional installation options, ensuring the best fit for each project.

The best gutter guards for pine needles also consider recommending valley protection, especially for properties surrounded by trees. Only micro-mesh gutter guards installed in a system will effectively protect the valley.

Read: Do plastic ember guards work?

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Integrated Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard Systems

Integrated micro-mesh gutter guard systems, also known as leaf guards, are similar to ember guard systems but typically have larger holes or gaps for better water flow. Micro-mesh guards are manufactured in food-grade polyethylene, powder-coated aluminium or stainless steel gutter guard materials to prevent rusting and corrosion.

Like ember guard systems, integrated micro mesh gutter guards are favoured in Australia due to their adaptability to various roof types, gutter sizes and gutter types. Their compatibility with a wide range of gutters, including box gutters and parapets, makes them a versatile choice for tradespeople and roofing companies.

Integrated micro-mesh gutter guards can be manufactured with commercial-grade standards; the best gutter guard for commercial projects or properties threatened by falling large debris, such as gum trees.

Micro-mesh gutter guard systems are functional and aesthetically pleasing, available in multiple Colorbond® and tiled roof colours to blend with various roof designs seamlessly. This attention to detail enhances the overall appeal of properties while providing essential protection against debris accumulation. Furthermore, gutter guard systems cater to new build properties, as tradespeople can use scaffolding and build-site accessibility. Professional installation to new homes can be more challenging due to height safety and accessibility issues.

Many homeowners will also benefit from the extended product warranty for gutter protection from professionally installed gutter guards. A high-quality gutter guard company will also provide workmanship guarantees. The easy installation process of these gutter guards will not affect any existing roof warranty.

Choosing between a gutter and an ember guard system depends on your client’s needs, such as debris types and bushfire risks.

Read: Difference Between Ember Guard and Gutter Guard

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Mesh Panels

Gutter screens, gutter covers or screen guards are designed to fit over the top of gutter systems and keep out debris such as pine needles. They come in various materials and hole sizes, with smaller holes providing better protection against pine needles. The least durable material is stainless steel products, including stainless steel micro mesh products, due to their susceptibility to rust and corrosion. Instead of the stainless steel micro-mesh products or plastic gutter filter products, consider powder-coated aluminium or zincalume Colorbond® steel.

Most screen gutter guards are DIY-friendly and do not require professional installation from gutter guard companies. However, some gutter screens may not be specifically designed to handle pine needles, which can lead to clogs and blockages.

Gutter screens that sit over the gutters and create a flat surface are not as effective for pine needle protection for several reasons:

Large hole sizes: Most gutter guards will detail the aperture size. You want to ensure you get smaller aperture sizes for pine needles.
Accumulation of debris: Flat surfaces can encourage the accumulation of pine needles and other debris on top of the gutter guard. The needles can clump together and form mats that block water flow, rendering the gutter guard ineffective.
Water overflow: As pine needles and debris build up on the flat surface, they can obstruct the flow of water, causing it to overflow the gutter system. This overflow can lead to water damage to the property’s foundation, fascia, soffit, and other structures.
Increased maintenance: Gutter covers require frequent cleaning and maintenance to remove accumulated pine needles and debris. It can be time-consuming and costly for property owners.

Read: Bunning’s Gutter Guard Range Review

Brush Gutter Guards

Brush gutter guards feature bristles or brushes inserted into the guttering to create a barrier against debris such as pine needles. They typically require medium maintenance and do not need professional installation. Brush guards are easily found from DIY gutter guard providers such as Bunnings.

The drawbacks of brush gutter guards and pine trees are ineffective filtering, limited durability and high maintenance. Consider these drawbacks in more detail:

Infection filtering: The gutter guard’s design features upright bristles, allowing water to flow through while blocking larger debris. However, pine needles are thin and can easily slip between the bristles, accumulating in the gutter and potentially causing blockages. The gutter guard design can lead to reduced water flow, damage to the gutter system, and increased maintenance.
Limited durability: Brush gutter guards may not be as durable as most gutter guards. Over time, the bristles can become bent or damaged, compromising their effectiveness in removing debris, including pine needles.
High-maintenance: Brush gutter guards can require more frequent maintenance than other gutter guard options, especially when dealing with pine needles. As the needles can get caught between the bristles, they may need to be removed manually, which can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. Brush guards can be a significant drawback for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance solution to protect their gutters from pine needles and other debris.

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Foam Gutter Guards

Foam gutter guards work when inserted into gutters to create a barrier that prevents debris, such as pine trees, from entering existing gutters. These gutter guards are cost-effective but may require regular replacement to avoid pest attraction or added weight on the gutters. Typically, foam strips are available at Bunnings stores and do not need professional gutter guard installers.

Foam inserts are less effective against pine needles than metal gutter guards because they create a flat surface for accumulating debris. Pine needles clump together and accumulate on top of the guard and cause several issues, including:

Blockages: The accumulation of pine needles on the foam guards can lead to blockages, preventing water from flowing through the gutters effectively. This can result in water overflow, causing damage to the property’s foundation and other structures.
Strain on the Gutters: As the pine needles clump and accumulate on top of the foam guards, they can add significant weight to the gutters. This increased weight can cause strain on the gutters, potentially leading to damage and costly repairs.

Considering these factors, foam guards are not the best gutter guards for dealing with pine needles. Homeowners and commercial properties seeking a more effective and long-lasting solution should consider other gutter guard options, such as ember or micro-mesh guards.

Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

Reverse curve or surface tension gutter or vinyl gutter guards feature a curved surface that directs water into the gutters while deflecting debris away. The curve’s angle allows water to flow into the gutter while creating a barrier against debris.

As water flows down the roof and onto the gutter guard, surface tension causes the water to adhere to the curve and flow into the gutters, while debris, such as pine needles, is deflected and falls to the ground. Reverse curve gutter guards are a low-maintenance solution for gutter protection but can be more expensive than other gutter guards and require professional installation.

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Best Ember Guard Products in Australia

TuffMesh™ Emberguard

Ember guard is designed for bushfire prone areas subject to heavy ember attack with the smallest appeture size at 1.6mm 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.

applications

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

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.

GutterMesh™ Emberguard

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.

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

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

Colour Options:

Basalt®

Classic Cream™

Cottage Green®

Dark Brown®

Deep Ocean®

Dune®

Evening Haze®

Ironstone®

Jasper®

Manor Red®

Monument®

Night Sky®

Pale Eucalypt®

Paperbark®

Shale Grey®

Surfmist®

Wallaby®

Windspray®

Woodlands Grey®

Zinc

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Factors when Choosing Gutter Guards for Pine Needles

When choosing gutter guards for pine needles in various Australian regions, there are several factors to consider:

Types of Trees and Vegetation in the Area

The area’s types of trees and vegetation can impact the amount of debris, including pine needles, that can accumulate in the gutter system. Choosing a gutter guard product designed to keep out the type of debris that is common in your region is crucial. Also, consider the proximity of the trees and the wind direction.

Different tree species and vegetation shed different types of debris, requiring various gutter guard solutions. Be aware of each region’s flora’s challenges and choose an appropriate gutter guard product.

Gutter Sizes and Types

The type and size of gutters in the properties you work on can impact the type of gutter guard suitable for your needs. Ember or micro-mesh gutter guard systems protect wider gutters or roofing systems, such as box gutters or parapets. All other gutter guards may be inefficient against pine needles. Choosing a gutter guard product compatible with various gutter types and effectively keeps out debris, such as pine needles, is essential for projects across Australia.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Australia’s diverse climate and weather patterns can impact the performance of gutter guard products. In areas with heavy rainfall, it’s essential to balance effects with smaller hole sizes versus larger hole sizes for optimal debris protection and water flow. For coastal regions, choose powder-coated gutter guards to ensure gutter protection from high salt concentration and moisture. In bushfire-prone areas, ember guards should be prioritised for their ability to protect against ember attacks. A professional gutter guard supplier will have the expertise to assist you in making the right choice for each specific climate condition.

Budget

Gutter guard products can vary in price, so choosing a product that fits your client’s budget is essential. While your homeowners will want to consider various options, from DIY gutter guards to professionally installed systems catering to different price points, your customers need to understand that more comprehensive systems, such as ember guard systems, save them money on maintenance and replacement. While some clients may prioritise affordability, others may focus on long-term durability and low maintenance.

ScreenTech’s TuffMesh™ and GutterMesh ranges offer two quality ember guards for commercial and residential applications at different prices. Ensure you provide an appropriate product to meet each client’s budgetary requirements.

Maintenance Requirements

Homeowners must know that gutter guards will not eliminate gutter maintenance or cleaning; tradespeople should inform their customers of these product features. Also, different types of gutter guard products require different levels of maintenance. Some gutter guards require more regular maintenance and replacement, including brush guards and foam inserts. Ember and gutter guard systems provide more comprehensive protection, but homeowners should check the gutter guards annually.

Tradespeople should know the maintenance requirements for each gutter guard product they offer and communicate these expectations to their clients. Choosing a product that fits your client’s lifestyle and maintenance capabilities is essential for overall satisfaction.

Gutter Cleaning

Before installing gutter guards, installers must thoroughly clean gutters and remove debris build-up in the system, including the valleys and downpipes. Tradespeople should inform their clients of the importance of thorough gutter cleaning before installing gutter guards, whether they choose DIY installation or professional services. This preparation is crucial to prevent clogged gutters underneath the guard, leading to replacement and ineffectiveness of the gutter guard.

By considering these factors and choosing the right gutter guard products for various Australian conditions, tradespeople and roofing companies can ensure their clients’ homes and commercial properties are protected and secure in any environment.

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Gutter Protection Against Other Australian Trees

Other finer debris tree types that require gutter guard installation to protect the gutters include:

Eucalyptus trees: (ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA)Many eucalyptus trees shed delicate leaves and bark, which can accumulate in gutters. Eucalyptus trees can also drop large debris, like branches.
Elm trees: (VIC, NSW, SA, TAS, VIC) Elm trees are deciduous and shed fine leaves in the autumn that can accumulate in gutters.
Jacaranda trees: (VIC, NSW) These trees are known for their beautiful purple flowers, but they can also shed small leaves and flowers that can clog gutters.
Maple trees: (VIC, NSW, SA, TAS, QLD, WA) Maple trees are deciduous and shed fine leaves in the autumn that can accumulate in gutters.
Plane trees: (VIC) Plane trees are deciduous and shed fine leaves and bark that can accumulate in gutters.
Silver birch trees: (VIC, SA, TAS NSW) Silver birch trees are deciduous and shed fine leaves in the autumn that can accumulate in gutters.
Sweet gum trees: (ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA) Sweet gum trees are deciduous and shed fine leaves in the autumn that can accumulate in gutters.
Wattle trees: (NSW, VIC) Wattle trees, native to Australia, can shed fine leaves, flowers, and debris that can accumulate in gutters.
Bottlebrush trees: (NSW, QLD) These Australian natives are known for their distinctive brush-like flowers. They shed fine leaves, flowers, and debris that can accumulate in gutters.
Melaleuca trees: (SA, WA) Melaleuca trees, also known as paperbarks or tea trees, shed fine leaves, flowers, and bark that can accumulate in gutters.
Angophora trees: (NSW) Angophora trees, related to eucalyptus trees, can shed fine leaves, flowers, and bark that can accumulate in gutters.
Blackbutt trees: (NSW, QLD) Blackbutt trees are native Australian eucalyptus trees that shed fine leaves, flowers, and bark that can accumulate in gutters.
Swamp Mahogany Trees: (NSW, QLD) Swamp mahogany trees, a type of eucalyptus, shed fine leaves, flowers, and bark that can accumulate in gutters.
Illawarra flame trees: (NSW, QLD) These trees are known for their stunning red flowers, but they can also shed fine leaves and flowers that can clog gutters.

By considering the types of trees and vegetation in various Australian regions, tradespeople and roofing companies can choose appropriate gutter guard products to protect homes and commercial properties from debris accumulation.

Need gutter guard installed?

Need help to select the best gutter guard for pine needles?

The small hole size specifications of ember guards make them ideal for gutter protection against pine needles. Their effectiveness in preventing debris accumulation, allowing efficient water flow, and providing additional protection against fire hazards, makes them a valuable investment for homeowners and commercial properties. Other gutter guard types do not offer the comprehensive protection needed.

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

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

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.

Tags ember guard, gutter guard, gutter guard installation, leaf guard

Blog

Can you use an ember guard for solar panels?

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 18 November 2022

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

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.

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.

Read: Do all new homes need bird proofing?

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

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®, GutterMesh, SteelMesh 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.

Tags bushfire protection, ember guard, gutter guard, leaf guard, solar mesh, solar panel protection

Blog

Does plastic ember guard work?

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 4 November 2022

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?

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

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

Read: Best Gutter Guard in Australia | Ultimate Guide

Gutter Guard & Ember Guard Materials

Ember proof with aluminium ember mesh

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.

Tags bushfire protection, ember guard, gutter guard

Blog

Best Gutter Guard in Australia Ultimate Guide

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 19 July 2022

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.

Need gutter guard installed?

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:

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

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

Integrated Mesh System

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.

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

Need gutter guards installed

Ember Guard System

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

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.

Want to become a gutter guard installation partner?

Mesh panels

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:

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

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, 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

Need gutter guard installed?

Brush gutter guards

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.

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

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.

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.

Want to become a gutter guard installation partner?

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.

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.

Need gutter guard installed?

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.

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.

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.

Need gutter guard installed?

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 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

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.

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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

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

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.

Tags bird proofing, bushfire protection, ember guard, gutter guard, gutter guard installation, leaf guard

Blog

How to find a gutter guard installer

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 3 July 2022

So, you have decided on the best gutter guard solution for your project. Perhaps an integrated gutter mesh system, mesh panel, vinyl guard or other DIY gutter guards; now, you need to find a suitable installer that can correctly secure the gutter mesh to your gutters and roof.

Some gutter guard products are especially DIY-friendly. However, these products are typically less durable and require more regular gutter guard replacement. The most durable and permanent solution is the integrated gutter mesh system, typically installed by a gutter guard installer.

There are several gutter guard installation options; roofing companies, accredited gutter guard installers and companies, local gutter guard installers and handypersons, and the option to install gutter guard yourself.

Continue reading to find out where to find an accredited installer in the gutter guard industry and gutter guard installation techniques.

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Who should install gutter guards on your project

Roofing companies

Many new homes choose to use the roofing company involved in the home’s construction to install the gutter guard at the end of the project. This is often ideal for many projects because it minimises costs and simplifies project management.

However, some roofing companies do not install gutter guards or may not have the experience needed on more complex guttering installations, such as those involving box gutters or those using bracing. A project may require a specialist gutter guard installation company in that case.

Roofing plumbers

Some roofing plumbers will also include gutter guard installation services as an addition to projects that are extensions to their work. It is important to note that not all roofing plumbers have experience with gutter guard installation.

Like roofing companies, gutter guard installations that involve box gutters or require bracing may be better suited to a specialist gutter guard installation company.

Need gutter guards installed

Accredited gutter guard installation service

Specialist gutter guard installation companies are ideal for commercial and residential projects because they are gutter guard experts. These services usually supply and install the gutter guard for your project, taking the project from quote to after-installation care. These companies provide expert advice on the best butter guard for your project and the installation process and also include gutter cleaning and guard replacement services.

These services are essential for significant housing developments or commercial projects to ensure quality control across the project, especially to comply with building standards and requirements.

For example, the Aquarevo Housing Project in Melbourne, featuring landscaping by Spire architects and collaboration between different building firms in close cooperation with South East Water, was completed entirely by gutter guard installation company Aussie Gutter Protection.

In collaboration with South East Water, ScreenTech supplied an AS4020 drinking water gutter guard system fitted to each home to allow the maximum rainwater harvesting to meet the Aquarevo Estate goal as Australia’s first-ever sustainable development of its kind.

The estate offered homeowners several unique design and layout options in land and home packages. Therefore, the gutter guard was supplied and fitted to dozens of housing and roof types with different roof styles and colours.

The installation was undertaken by Aussie Gutter Protection, which coordinated the fittings with building firms.

Aussie Gutter Protection is one of Australia’s largest gutter guard installers and a market leader in custom gutter guard solutions using ScreenTech Tuffmesh Aluminium products to meet the standards for drinking water for the AquaRevo project. Furthermore, the integrated gutter guard mesh product is a high strength, durable and has more modern aesthetics for homes with box gutters or parapets.

Local gutter guard installers

You can find local gutter guard installers near you on websites and apps such as Airtasker, Hi Pages and HomeAdvisor. These installers may be local handypersons with gutter cleaning services or roof plumbers who you can contract to either supply and install gutter mesh or other gutter guards or do the installation.

It is essential to realise that these people are contractors and may not be gutter guard experts or have any experience with gutter guard protection.

Some installers will also advertise cleaning on existing gutter guard or replacement services. Before contracting any replacement of an existing gutter guard, ensure you look at the warranty and workmanship guarantees of the original job, as most gutter guard installation companies offer guarantees and replacement warranty.

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Gutter Guard Installation Techniques

Gutter guard installation is typically straightforward on most roofs. However, your gutter guard installer must understand the specific applications. This includes not drilling holes that might allow water to ingress the roof.

Ensuring the mesh is cut correctly to provide the angle for the ski slope gutter guard system is essential. Gutter guard installers must ensure the water does not sheet over the top but filters through the mesh gutter guard and into the gutter. It also needs to be angled so leaves and debris falls from the roof rather than build up on the gutter guards.

A quality gutter guard installer also understands how guttering systems work and can see where potential problems may occur rather than leaving them for the owner to discover later.

Other speciality installation techniques include box gutter mesh installation that requires sufficient strength to support the product. Aluminium mesh with a thickness of 0.6mm is recommended for any gap over 500mm wide or more significant. Gaps greater than 750mm require bracing to support the gutter guard mesh.

Roof valley installation also requires specialist techniques. It’s crucial the mesh has sufficient overhang and is secured on both sides to help resist tears in the mesh in the long term. ScreenTech suggests a minimum 330mm wide mesh for a metal roof and 1000mm wide on a tile roof to allow sufficient length underneath the tiles.

It is also essential to consider how installation affects the best gutter guard solution, as well as products, and how it affects the purpose.

Types of gutter guard solutions include:

leaf guard for reduced gutter cleaning and blocked gutter prevention
bird proofing
bushfire protection
rainwater harvesting
solar panel protection

Speciality products and materials such as ember guards installed for bushfire protection require experience installation techniques to ensure no gap more than 2mm. The installation requirement ensures that embers cannot penetrate the ember guard and comply with AS3959. Therefore, the ember guard must be installed precisely, especially at joints and corners, for extreme bushfire protection from BAL 49-FZ bushfire-prone areas.

Another gutter guard solution is a rainwater harvesting system which requires the knowledge of the highest quality materials that meet Australian standards. Your gutter guard installer must understand your needs for the system to quote and install the best gutter guard product for the right solution.

DIY gutter guard installation

There are several gutter guards that homeowners can easily install themselves. These gutter guards include:

Brush gutter guard
Foam inserts
Vinyl gutter guard
Mesh Panels
Integrated mesh gutter guard system.

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. We recommend speaking with an installer or a gutter guard company to learn the difficulty of your home project.

Installing solar panel bird proofing

Alongside installing gutter guards, solar panel mesh is a popular addition to your gutter protection system.

It is important to note that solar panel mesh is a speciality gutter guard product explicitly designed for solar panels and roof protection. It, therefore, varies in specifications from gutter guards. For example, the hole size of the mesh is best at 12mm to allow optimal airflow and moisture control underneath the panels while blocking birds and vermin from nesting underneath. The mesh installation onto the solar panels is also different.

You must have an experienced installer who understands the product and installation techniques or risk damaging the panels and voiding any product warranties.

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Vetting gutter guard installation services

There are several questions to ask any gutter guard installer:

Do you supply the gutter guard materials? What gutter guard supplier do you use for your products? Do they meet Australian standards?
Do you have the correct Colorbond® colour gutter guard to match the roof colour and gutter colour?
How familiar is the installer with the supplied gutter guard materials and their unique installation techniques?
How familiar is the installer with gutter guard protection solutions such as bird proofing, rainwater harvesting and bushfire protection?
Does the gutter guard installation include gutter cleaning?
What experience do they have working with the specific roof and gutter type used? (This is especially important using rare materials such as copper or galvanised steel.)
Does the installer provide workmanship guarantees?
What other certifications and insurances does the company have?
Do you have examples of previous work on a similar project? Can you provide pictures etc.?
Do they have experience installing solar panel mesh? Does that include panel and gutter cleaning? Can you provide pictures?

If you install gutter protection incorrectly, it will cause problems. For example, gutter protection installed on a tile roof will cause water sheeting. Poor workmanship leads to costly mistakes, such as gaps in ember guard or an uncomplimentary aesthetic.

If you would like help finding a gutter guard installer, please don’t hesitate to contact ScreenTech. ScreenTech has a network of gutter guard installation partners throughout Australia with experience and diligence in their work and who we trust to install our products.

Tags ember guard, gutter guard, gutter guard installation, leaf guard

Blog

10 things to look for in a gutter guard

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

The truth about gutter guards is that finding the perfect gutter guard depends on your property’s needs. It’s that simple.

So, what to look for in a gutter guard? To choose the right gutter guard, you might consider:

Gutter guard solution
Gutter guard products
Gutter guard material
Roof profiles
Gutter profiles
Colour-matching
Gutter guard vs ember guard
Commercial vs standard gutter guards
Gutter guard installation
Solar panel protection

Continue reading to look at our gutter guard considerations in more detail and consider how a gutter protection system can benefit your home.

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Gutter guard solutions

Leaf guards or gutter guards work to reduce gutter cleaning and maintenance with leaf proofing, bird control and prevention, ember guard against ember attack and rainwater harvesting.

Gutter leaf guards also significantly reduce the amount of gutter cleaning for homeowners. This is especially true for trees that overhang the structure. It is essential to select a gutter guard mesh with an adequate hole size to match the surrounding vegetation: pine needle trees need a mesh with small aperture size.

Gutter guards are also an effective bird-proofing solution. It is widespread in new build homes and estates built on green field sites as birds are often displaced from their regular nesting locations and need a new home quickly.

However, older homes are not exempt from bird nesting problems. All houses provide great natural nesting locations: roofs, gutters, verandas, valleys, and even downpipes. These areas offer warmth and protection that birds will take advantage.

Vermin, including possums, rats and mice, commonly nest in gutters and are noisy, especially at night, attracting other kinds of pests and diseases. A strong gutter guard will deter them and force them to seek shelter elsewhere.

Gutter guard saves homeowners and property owners money and keeps people safe on the ground, not risking themselves climbing ladders to clean gutters.

Blocked gutters also overflow during heavy rainfall and can cause foundation problems over time. The gutter will also start to sag with additional weight built up, and over time it produces lulls where stagnate water can sit. Stagnant water also attracts pests such as mosquitoes.

A gutter guard is also used in bushfire protection. It prevents debris in the gutters, an ignition source for embers in a bushfire. An ember guard also keeps the embers off the roof and gutter as those entry points are the most vulnerable in a bushfire.

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

Gutter guard products

Gutter guard types fall mainly into two categories:

Gutter Guard that lies inside the gutters (E.G. brush gutter guards or foam gutter guards)
Gutter Guard protective mesh is attached to the gutter’s top, either flat or integrated with the roof’s pitch and slope.

Brush gutter guards

Brush gutter guards sit inside the existing gutters, mostly invisible from the ground. The gutter guard has polyethylene bristles attached to a twisted stainless steel core. Leaf and debris get caught in the strands while allowing water to free flow through the gutters.

While brush guards are inexpensive, they do have their drawbacks, including;

More frequent cleaning required
Not bushfire rated
Not suitable for bird proofing
Not suitable for tank water use
Not suitable for all types of gutter systems
Will need to be replaced more frequently
Can attract insects and pests to nest in the bristles

Foam gutter guard

A foam gutter guard, also known as foam inserts or foam gutter covers, sits inside the gutter system. It is made of plastic foam, similar to a pool noodle.

While foam gutter guards are inexpensive, they do have their drawbacks, including;

More frequent cleaning is required as leaves and debris accumulate on the top edge
Not bushfire rated
Not suitable for bird proofing
Not suitable for tank water use
Not suitable for all types of gutter systems
Will need to be replaced more frequently
Can cause dampness, moisture and water damage in the gutters

Mesh Panels

Metal Panels are made of painted aluminium or stainless steel panels with either micro-mesh filters or large holes that filter dirt. The mesh panels sit on the gutter with a screw added to the front lip for a secure install and rest on the roof.

Mesh panels must be installed on sloped gutters so that the panel does not sit flat on the gutters. Any flat surface will prevent leaves and gutters from falling to the ground.

Mesh panels are unsuitable for areas in Australia that undergo extreme weather conditions, especially severe wind or storms. Strong winds lift the panels, making them airborne as the panels are usually only secured to the gutter.

Vinyl gutter guard

This type of gutter guard is very similar to mesh panels but is made from durable plastic. Vinyl guard style fits directly into the guttering system, often “snapping” into place. It is essential to again install with a slope to prevent any debris from entering the gutter system.

It is a very affordable solution; however, it is not considered durable and should never be used in bushfire-prone areas.

Integrated mesh system

Integrated mesh systems are designed to sit over the top of the gutters and are permanently secured to the roof and gutter. The slope and material prevent leaves and debris from entering and accumulating in the gutter while encouraging them to fall to the ground.

All integrated mesh systems can be fitted to tiled, corrugated, and metal roof types.

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Gutter mesh material

When selecting a gutter mesh for your integrated gutter guard system, you need to consider the features and benefits of each, its purpose and the design and aesthetics of the home. The most common material choice is an aluminium gutter mesh solution. Aluminium mesh is malleable, easily shaped to the roof, and provides bushfire resistance.

Aluminium leaf guard

Aluminium gutter guards can be found in various hole sizes and strengths. At ScreenTech, we supply four types of Aluminium Gutter Guards, including:

Tuffmesh Aluminium: A commercial-grade thick gutter guard with medium hole size. It is the product we use on most new homes as its added strength is excellent for box gutters and parapets. Architects also favoured it as the thicker mesh strands from the ground make the mesh appear solid and part of the roof. You can see more information here.
Tuffmesh Emberguard: A commercial-grade ember guard product with a 1.6mm hole size and custom-made to each roof. It is the most robust ember guard product available in Australia and was custom-designed by ScreenTech to deal with the most demanding Australian situations. You can see more information here.
Guttermesh Aluminium: A standard product with great affordability and various applications such as preventing clogged gutters. You can see more information here.
Guttermesh Emberguard: this has a 1.9mm small hole size used where building requirements dictate an ember guard but are not so demanding as to need a commercial-grade gutter guard solution. It is also suitable for pine areas as the small aperture helps ensure pine needles and other debris stay out of the gutters.

Polyethylene leaf guard

For some applications, aluminium is unsuitable as it reacts with another metal. This may be a galvanised roof or application in coastal environments where corrosion is more likely and rapid. For these situations, though rare, ScreenTech offers a range of polyethylene mesh products:

Tuffmesh Poly: A strong thick poly mesh mirrors our Tuffmesh Aluminium product. The medium aperture is great at keeping gutters clean even in tropical or torrential downpour areas; however, it isn’t fire-resistant.
Guttermesh poly: A thinner gutter mesh product used in various applications to prevent blocked gutters.

Steel Mesh Gutter Guard

In extreme bushfire areas, where the BAL rating is FZ, we use our Steel Mesh Gutter Guard product to protect from ember attacks. In these high fire risk areas, it’s vital to have an ember guard and that all other potential ember ingress points such as vents and holes, including those for utilities, are covered. You can learn more here.

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

Roof Profiles

An integrated gutter guard can be installed in any home with any roof type. Be aware that different roof types require other fixtures for integrated mesh systems, for example:

Corrugated metal roofs

Mesh
Corrugated saddles
Gutter Trim
Roofing screws

Trimdek® metal roofs

Mesh
Trimdek® saddles
Gutter Trim
Roofing screws

Trimdek® metal roofs

Mesh
Klip-Lok® saddles
Gutter Trim
Roofing screws

Tiled roof

Mesh
Gutter Trim
Roofing screws for gutters

Gutter system

Certain gutter guard products are more suited to specific gutter profiles. For example, in commercial and modern architecture, brush, vinyl and foam gutter guards are unsuitable for wide box gutters and parapets.

An integrated mesh guard with a commercial-grade gutter mesh is most suitable for box gutters and parapets but is also used in standard gutter guards.

Many homeowners also wish to leaf proof other parts of the guttering system, including rain gutters, railheads, downpipes, eaves troughs and other water tank collection points. Only an integrated gutter mesh system provides maximum protection as a leaf guard.

Colour-matching

Aesthetics is one of the homeowners’ first concerns regarding leaf guards and bird proofing.

Mesh panels, foam, brush and vinyl gutter guards are usually less visible from the ground unless the property slopes. Leaves and large debris can accumulate above the guard, which is less appealing.

An integrated mesh system is visible from the ground; however, the mesh and accessories are colour-matched to Colourbond® roof and gutter colours. Trims are colour-matched to the gutters, while the mesh and saddles (for metal roofs) are matched to the roof.

If you are uncertain about the best colour match for your property, speak to the gutter guard company or installer.

Choosing gutter guard vs ember guard

The main difference between the two guards is the hole size or the space between each intersecting wire mesh. An ember guard must have a hole of 2mm or less to comply with an ember guard’s standards, while gutter guards have no hole size requirement.

An ember guard is designed to prevent ember attacks when windborne embers ignite leaf litter in unprotected gutters. Ember guards protect the opening from burning embers more thoroughly per Australian Standards.

There are two types of ember guards, made from steel and aluminium. Aluminium ember guards are used for homes in 12.5-29 BAL ratings. These BAL standards are specified for new homes as a bushfire proofing measure as per Australian Standard AS3959-2009.

Homes in a BAL rating of 40 or FZ must be made of steel or bronze and are corrosion-resistant. The 2mm steel mesh is perfect and complies with all regulations to suit all BAL ratings of 12.5, 19, 29, 40 and FZ. Steel ember guards have fine apertures that keep pests and small leaves out of the roof gutter.

Commercial vs standard gutter guards

Commercial-grade leaf and gutter guards are suitable for commercial properties and domestic homes. It is easier

There are several reasons why a homeowner or commercial property owner may opt for commercial leaf guards, including:

Commercial-grade products have extended warranties, generally over 20 years;
Thicker gutter guard offers superior aesthetics as the thicker wire mesh strands blend better with the roof profile;
A more robust gutter mesh is best for bird proofing, especially for larger birds such as pigeons, but also to prevent possum attacks.

ScreenTech advises homeowners to always speak with their installer about whether commercial-grade gutter guards are best for their needs.

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How installing gutter protection affects the build

The installation of a gutter guard can be very simple or complex, depending on the access to the roof during installation. When installed during the build while the scaffolding is still up, any gutter guard solution can be installed quickly and safely in a few hours. Some roof types are more complex than others. For example, tiled roofs typically take longer than metal roof installation.

When installing gutter protection on a metal roof, the mesh is attached to the far gutter edge and fixed to the roof with a metal saddle to ensure the load is spread across the mesh reducing the risk of tears. For a tiled roof, the mesh is tucked under the second row of tiles and silicone is often used to provide a seal.

In Melbourne, ScreenTech recently supplied materials to one of our Melbourne installation partners Aussie Gutter Protection. Getting a gutter guard installed can be done by most reputable roofing contractors or specialised gutter guard companies.

Solar panel protection

Solar panels also need protection from birds nesting underneath the panels. However, a standard gutter guard is not suitable for solar panels as the wire mesh fixtures will damage the panels and reduces the airflow under the panels.

A solar mesh has a larger hole size allowing optimal airflow and moisture accumulation under the panels. They also use clips instead of screws to fasten the panels preventing damage to the panel’s face.

Always speak to an installer when trying to protect solar panels.

What is the best gutter guard for your design?

The best solutions depend on your situation, budget, and building code. Hopefully, this guide has helped point you in the right direction, but if you would like to talk to an expert at ScreenTech, we are always happy to discuss a project and ensure you get the right gutter guard specified for the result you want. We can work with you on custom gutter guard solutions if needed. We regularly custom fabricate gutter guard mesh for the roof gutter on custom homes and also have the ability to manufacture copper and galvanised fittings for homes with those requirements.

We are always happy to supply architects with gutter guard samples and a detailed architect gutter guard information pack if they would like more information.

Tags ember guard, gutter guard, leaf guard

Blog

What is commercial gutter guard?

Post author By brianne@bwcontent.com
Post date 26 June 2022

Over the last few years, commercial gutter guards have filled an increasing demand in Australia as modern architecture and designs incorporate more box gutters and parapets. These larger gutter spaces and commercial gutters require a thicker, more robust mesh to span.

So, what is a commercial-grade gutter guard? A commercial-grade gutter guard is typically a thicker, more robust mesh able to span wider spaces such as box gutters and parapets found in modern architecture and commercial buildings. Its material is specifically designed for commercial applications but can also be used for residential properties.

ScreenTech engineered a commercial-grade gutter guard with its TuffMesh® range designed to protect commercial buildings and residential properties.

Continue reading to learn more about commercial-grade guards and whether it is the best solution for your gutter protection system.

Commercial Grade Guard Features

Commercial-grade gutter guards are part of an integrated mesh system comprising commercial-grade mesh, fixtures including trims, saddles (for metal roofs) and roofing screws.

The key to an integrated mesh system is the ski slope created by the fixture of the mesh to the roof and gutter. A standard aluminium mesh thickness is typically 0.5mm, which begins to sag spanning gaps over 500mm wide. The sag creates a dip in the gutter guard, where leaves and other debris build up over time.

ScreenTech increased the thickness of the gutter mesh by 50%, finding it more suitable for a 750mm wide gap without sagging while maintaining its strength and durability over time.

See our TuffMesh® range.

Aluminium commercial vs standard guards

The following chart details key differences in features between ScreenTech’s commercial and standard leaf guard ranges.

Comparison

TuffMesh Aluminium (commercial grade)

GutterMesh Aluminium (standard grade)

Base Material

Aluminium

Aperture

3.3 mm

3.5 mm

Coating/Colouring

powder coating D1010

Manufacturing Technique

expanded

Strand width

1.0 mm

Strand thickness

0.7 mm

0.5 mm

Mesh weight

700 gsm

500 gsm

Warranty

20-years

15-years

Max size

50m

Standard widths in mm

250, 330, 500, 750,1000

Bushfire tested

AS 3959-2018 compliant

Gutter guard bushfire attack level (BAL) suitability

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29

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

Poly commercial vs standard guards

The following chart details key differences in features between ScreenTech’s commercial and standard poly gutter mesh ranges.

Comparison

TuffMesh Poly (commercial grade)

GutterMesh Poly (standard grade)

Base Material

Polyethylene

Aperture

3.5 mm

4.0 mm

Coating/Colouring

100% virgin food-grade material, masterbatch

Manufacturing Technique

extruded

Strand width

2.3 mm

Strand thickness

expanded

2.3 mm

Mesh weight

1.0 mm

550 gsm

Warranty

1.0 mm

10-years

Max size

1.0 mm

50m

Standard widths in mm

1.0 mm

0.5 mm

Bushfire tested

N/A

Gutter guard bushfire attack level (BAL) suitability

N/A

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

Commercial vs standard ember guards

The following chart details key differences in features between ScreenTech’s commercial and standard poly gutter mesh ranges.

Comparison

TuffMesh Ember Guard (commercial guard)

GutterMesh Ember Guard (standard guard)

Base Material

aluminium

Aperture

1.6 mm

1.9 mm

Coating/Colouring

powder coating D101o

powder coating D1010

Manufacturing Technique

expanded single direction

machine-woven w/ rolled edge

Strand width

1.5 mm

0.5 mm

Strand thickness

0.7 mm

0.5 mm

Mesh weight

700 gsm

500 gsm

Warranty

25-years

15-years

Max size

103 cm x 2200 mm Sheets

30m

Standard widths in mm

custom width in 25mm increments

250, 500, 1000

Bushfire tested

AS 3959-2018 compliant

Gutter guard bushfire attack level (BAL) suitability

BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29

Need gutter guard installed?

Commercial gutter guard solution

Commercial grade gutter guards provide a more permanent solution, including:

Commercial projects, industrial roofs
Leaf guards as gutter protection, including blocked gutters and reduced gutter cleaning and maintenance
Leaf guard for a box gutter
Bird proofing and pest infestations
Ember guard for bushfire protection against burning embers and ember attack
Rainwater harvesting and protection for water tanks
Leaf guard for investment property

Commercial guard for gutter & roof profiles

Commercial grade gutter protection is available for every Australian roof and gutter type, including:

Corrugated roof
Trimdek® roof
Klip Lok® roof
Tiled roof
Flat roofs
Industrial roofs
Box gutter
Bull gutter
Parapet
Roof valleys

All gutter mesh comes with fixture accessories for each roof profile. For example, a corrugated roof will also come with corrugated saddles, trim, mesh and screws in Colorbond® colours to colour match the roof and gutters.

Need gutter guard installed?

Gutter guard installation

Installing gutter guards on commercial gutters

ScreenTech’s local Melbourne installation partners, Aussie Gutter Protection, report commercial-grade gutter guards such as ScreenTech’s Tuffmesh in over 80% of their installations.

Furthermore, ScreenTech pioneered specialised gutter guard bracing, which allows a commercial-grade mesh to span gaps more significant than 1m, including wider box gutters or on parapets preventing block gutters and minimising gutter maintenance.

Commercial guards & residential buildings

The commercial-grade TuffMesh® line is also suitable for domestic homes in a setting where a standard mesh would suffice previously. This is due to a combination of factors:

The mesh makes up a relatively small cost of a gutter guard installation, so upgrading to a more robust mesh has minimal price impact;
Commercial-grade products have more extended warranties than traditional gutter guard products, generally over 20 years, providing customers peace of mind;
The thicker gutter guard aesthetics is far superior; while the aperture size is the same, the thicker wire strands blend better with the roof from the ground;
People want the best for their homes and don’t want to compromise a vital safety feature, i.e. in a bushfire-prone area.
A more robust gutter mesh is best for bird proofing, especially for larger birds such as pigeons, but also to prevent possum attacks.
It can be used as a 100% bird proofing solution to cover spanning wall cavities and roof cavities.

ScreenTech advises homeowners to always speak with their installer for informed decisions on the best gutter mesh type. Most installers are well-equipped to advise you on the best gutter guard got pricing.

ScreenTech TuffMesh

ScreenTech commercial TuffMesh® range is suitable for commercial gutter installations and maximum protection for efficient water drainage and bird protection. We provide commercial building contractors with reliable product advice and services for a comprehensive range of roofing products.

ScreenTech provides curated sample packs designed for architects, including standard and commercial-grade materials. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

See our TuffMesh® range.

Tags ember guard, gutter guard, gutter guard installation, leaf guard

Blog

4 Things to Remember when Specifying Gutter Guard or Ember Guard

Post author By screentech
Post date 19 May 2022

When specifying gutter guard or ember guard for a project it is important to make sure your vision is translated by your building contractor into the final product. Like any material choice, a broad specification can result in corners being cut and often the cheapest material chosen over desired outcomes. Many property designs and builds are compromised due to these misguided choices: gutter guard is no exception.

The first important consideration is the material you would like to use. There are 3 main materials used in gutter guard; aluminium, steel and poly. They all have advantages and disadvantages:

The most common is Aluminium as it is corrosion resistant strong and mailable enough to conform to the roof. However, aluminium can not be used in buildings with a BAL-40 and a BAL-FZ rating.

Steel is the material of choice for BAL-40 and BAL-FZ homes. However, it is a brittle material and often the aesthetic is less pleasing as it is a thinner wire strand.

Poly is a great material choice for coastal areas where saltwater corrosion might be an issue. It can also be a great choice for galvanised roofs where other metals will chemically react.

The next thing to keep in mind is the mesh thickness. Aluminium, steel and poly mesh all come in different thicknesses:

For Aluminium the standard thickness will be approximately 0.4mm whereby a premium mesh is 0.7mm thickness. A thicker mesh will provide increase strength and rigidity especially across wider box gutters and can be more aesthetically pleasing but will come with an increased cost. The figures are not always a great way of judging a gutter guard and we always advise requesting samples before making a decision as most companies are more than happy to provide some free material samples to architects.

Steel mesh similarly have standard and premium lines which are offered by many suppliers. Steel mesh varies immensely in quality and strength depending on the steel type used and just as importantly the powder coating that has been used on the mesh. We would advise testing samples if you are building in a BAL-40 or FZ area to ensure you get a product you are happy with.

Poly mesh also is no different with varied thicknesses available. With a poly mesh our advice would always be to go for the premium option. Standard thickness poly mesh normally comes with a 10 year warranty which is much shorter than a lot of the other mesh options. And much of the mesh on the market is poor quality, so again we would advise getting samples first.

The next consideration is colours. Gutter guard comes in a huge range of colour to match almost every roof colour and all manufacturers will be able to mix and match colours together. We advise matching your mesh and roof fitting’s colours to your roof colour and the gutter trim colour matches the gutters themselves. Small details such as colour matched screws can make a huge difference to the final look so make sure to ensure that matching fitting are included.

The final consideration is whether you need an Ember Guard or a Gutter Guard.

The main differences are the hole aperture, on an ember guard the hole must be less than 2mm; and also, all ember guards must be a metal material. Ember guard is also used outside bushfire areas for pine or jacinda tress that shed lots of fine debris. With ember guard the installation is critical to ensure that the water does not sheet off the roof. So it is important to ensure either the ember guard is pre-shaped to capture water or is installed by an experienced installer who can shape the mesh on installation to ensure maximum capture.

We hope you have found this guide helpful. If you would like one of our Free Gutter Guard and Ember Guard Sample packs for architect’s, please do not hesitate to call or email. We will send one so you can consider the various options of gutter guard. We are also happy to discuss specific projects and consult over the phone or via email.

Tags ember guard, gutter guard, leaf guard

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

Our Products

Solutions

Leaf Guard

Bird Proofing

Bushfire Protection

Solar Panel Protection

Commercial Guard

Rainwater Harvesting

Installers

Understanding BAL Ratings

BAL Ratings State-by-State Overview

Australian Standard AS 3959-2018

Where to Find in the Document

The Importance of Local Council Consultation

Role of Gutter Guards in Bushfire Defence

What is Ember Mesh?

Ember & Gutter Guard Mesh State Specifications

Other Differences Across States

Screen Tech's BAL-Rated Products

What is the best gutter guard for pine needles in Australia?

Pine Trees Are a Leading Cause of Clogged Gutters

Best Gutter Guard for Pine Needles Comparison

Ember Guard

Integrated Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard Systems

Mesh Panels

Brush Gutter Guards

Foam Gutter Guards

Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

Best Ember Guard Products in Australia

TuffMesh™ Emberguard

applications

Specifications

Features and benefits:

Colour Options:

Supply

GutterMesh™ Emberguard

applications

Specifications

Features and benefits:

Colour Options:

Factors when Choosing Gutter Guards for Pine Needles

Types of Trees and Vegetation in the Area

Gutter Sizes and Types

Climate and Weather Patterns

Budget

Maintenance Requirements

Gutter Cleaning

Gutter Protection Against Other Australian Trees

Need help to select the best gutter guard for pine needles?

Ember guard vs solar panel bird mesh

SolarMesh & Ember Guard Comparison

Solar Mesh

Ember guard

Why bird-proof solar panels

SolarMesh

Specifications

Features and benefits:

Why ember-proof solar panels

TuffMesh® Emberguard

Specifications

Features and benefits:

Colour Options:

Bushfire Attack Level Recommendations

BAL-Low to BAL-29

BAL-40 to BAL-FZ

What is an ember guard?

Gutter Guard Vs Ember Guard

Gutter Guard

Ember guard

Gutter Guard & Ember Guard Materials

Ember proof with aluminium ember mesh

TuffMesh® Emberguard

Specifications

Features and benefits:

Colour Options:

Ember proof with steel gutter mesh

SteelMesh

Specifications

Features and benefits:

Colour Options: