Gutter guards perform an important role in keeping your roof gutters clean and your home safe.
Gutter guards prevent leaves and other debris from clogging up your guttering and contaminating your drinking water supply. They also reduce the risk of embers from bushfires entering the gutter or pests making a home in the guttering.
Gutter guards significantly reduce the need to do that messy but necessary chore of periodically cleaning out your guttering.
Many of Australia’s favourite tree species such as eucalypts, blackwoods and bottlebrushes drop seriously large amounts of leafy material every year, which can quickly build up in your guttering. Clogged gutters can lead to flooding issues and the possibility of backed-up water seeping in under your roof.
Gutter guards are increasingly proving to be a popular and effective way of preventing blocked gutters without restricting water flow.
Different types of gutter guards
There’s a wide range of gutter guards made from different materials on the market today. Some of these products have benefited from research and development, and offer real aesthetic appeal as well as exceptional performance. Available in a range of material and colour choices, gutter guards offer several options to meet all requirements and budgets.
Mesh gutter guards
One of the most common types of gutter guards, it uses mesh with holes large enough to allow water to flow freely in the heaviest downpours while preventing leafy material and other debris to pass through.
Plastic gutter guards
Plastic gutter guards offer a lower-priced option but some plastics are very susceptible to UV degradation. However, they won’t rust. If you are looking to use plastic, then we recommend you choose a high quality polyethylene gutter guard, which is more durable. Remember, plastic is not acceptable in bushfire prone areas.
Aluminium gutter guards
Aluminium gutter guard mesh delivers superior gutter protection performance in every way. Aluminium is lightweight with exceptional strength and durability ratings. It is extremely resistant to corrosion and it won’t burn. Aluminium is deemed suitable for BAL levels up to BAL 29 bushfire protection.
Stainless steel gutter guards
Stainless steel also delivers exceptional strength and durability in a gutter guard installation. Its resistance to corrosion makes it a great choice in highly corrosive environments such as coastal and industrial areas. Stainless steel is bushfire compliant for all BAL levels and for ember guard applications.
Foam gutter guards
Foam mesh gutter guards are a highly popular gutter guard solution in the US, and are increasingly making inroads into the Australian gutter guard market. The porous foam wedges sit inside the roof gutter and won't restrict water flow but prevent any leafy material to pass into the gutter system.
Look for a product that offers UV stability and mould inhibitors; however, this is not an option if you collect your roof water for drinking. Foam mesh guards can be easily installed by anyone and require no screws. They are considerably cheaper than traditional steel gutter guards, with some brands offering 10-year warranties.
Foam mesh guards might be fire retardant (AS-1530-3-1999) but they are not approved for bushfire zone application.
