How To Choose The Right Gutter Mesh For Your Home
Selecting the right gutter protection for your property is an important decision that can save you thousands in maintenance costs and protect your home from damage. Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh™ offers a comprehensive range of gutter mesh solutions, but with various options available, how do you choose the right one?
This guide will walk you through the key considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Your Property's Unique Aperture Needs
Every home faces different challenges when it comes to gutter protection. Before selecting a gutter mesh, it's essential to assess your specific situation by considering several key factors.
1. What Type Of Leaves Are You Dealing With?
The size and type of vegetation around your property should be your first consideration. Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh™ categorises leaves into four main types:
- Large leaves (palm fronds, bamboo): These can be managed with 2mm, 4mm, or 5.4mm aperture mesh
- Medium leaves (gum leaves, silky oak): Best managed with 2mm or 4mm aperture mesh
- Small leaves (wattle, jacaranda, poinciana): Require 2mm aperture mesh for effective protection
- Pine needles: Need 2mm aperture mesh
Take a walk around your property and identify the predominant vegetation. If you have a mix of leaf sizes, choose a mesh that can handle the smallest type to ensure comprehensive protection.
2. Are You In A Bushfire-Prone Area, Does Your Property Have A BAL Rating?
If you live in a bushfire-prone area or your property has a BAL rating, you should consider selecting from the Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh™ ember guard range.
Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh™ ember guard will keep leaves and debris out of your gutters while also protecting against burning embers.
- 2mm Steel Mesh: can be used as an ember guard for all BAL zones - 12.5, 19, 29, 40, and FZ.
- 2mm Aluminium Mesh: can be used as an ember guard for BAL 12.5, 19, and 29 only.
If you're in a bushfire-prone area, choosing the right mesh isn't just about maintenance—it's about protecting your home. Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh™ 2mm steel offers the most comprehensive protection, serving as both an effective gutter guard and a compliant ember guard for all BAL zones.
3. Do You Have Issues with Pests?
If possums, birds, rats, or snakes are accessing your roof cavity through your gutters, you'll need a sturdy mesh solution. Both steel and aluminium options provide effective barriers, but steel mesh offers superior strength for deterring larger animals or more persistent pests.
4. What Weather Extremes Does Your Area Experience?
Consider your local climate conditions:
- Hail-prone areas: Steel mesh provides superior puncture resistance against hailstones
- Snow regions: Steel mesh better withstands the weight of accumulated ice and snow
Comparing Your Material Options: Steel and Aluminium
Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh™ offers two main material options, each with distinct advantages:
Steel Gutter Mesh
Available in 2mm, 4mm, and 5.4mm apertures, steel mesh is the strongest option. It's ideal if you need:
- Maximum durability and load-bearing capacity
- Protection against hail damage
- The ability to withstand heavy animals or falling branches
Aluminium Gutter Mesh
Available in 2mm and 4mm apertures, and with an additional “Ultra” variant, which is a thicker and more robust material, aluminium mesh offers:
- A cost-effective solution for leaf protection
- Some protection from smaller animals
Making Your Final Decision
To simplify the selection process, Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh offers several helpful tools:
Use Specialised Tools
Visit the Mesh Matcher and be guided through six simple questions about your property to be recommended the most suitable mesh option for your specific needs.
Once you know the ideal mesh for your home, take advantage of Stratco’s Mesh Kit Builder and create your very own gutter mesh kit.
With the right gutter mesh properly installed, you'll enjoy reduced maintenance costs, better protection and peace of mind knowing your property is well-protected. You can shop our gutter mesh range online or at your local Stratco store, or contact us for advice from our expert team.