What gutter guards actually do
Gutter guard is a mesh barrier fitted over your gutters and along the edge of the roof. Water passes straight through, while leaves, sticks and seed pods stay on top and blow away once dry. Most quality systems in Australia use aluminium mesh, which won’t rust and holds up well in the sun.
The benefits
- Far less frequent gutter cleaning
- Reduced risk of overflow, leaks and water damage
- Fewer birds, rats and possums getting into the roof via the gutters
- Lower risk of embers igniting leaves during bushfire season, especially with ember-rated mesh
- Less standing water for mosquitoes to breed in
The trade-offs
Gutter guard isn’t maintenance-free. Fine debris like pollen and dust still gets through over time, and leaves can sit on top of the mesh in sheltered spots. A light check and brush-off every year or so keeps it working.
There’s also an upfront cost, so if your home has no trees nearby and gutters rarely fill, regular cleaning may be cheaper.
So, are they worth it?
If you have trees overhanging or close to your roof, live near bushland, or are paying for gutter cleaning more than once a year, gutter guard is usually worth it. For homes on open blocks with few trees, an annual clean may be all you need.
Need gutter guard installation in Sydney?
Aluminium mesh guards that keep leaves, pests and embers out of your gutters. Learn about our gutter guard installation service.
Frequently asked questions
Do gutter guards work with heavy rain?
Yes. Quality mesh lets water through quickly. In very heavy downpours, the gutter and downpipe size, not the mesh, is usually the limiting factor.
Can gutter guard be fitted to a Colorbond roof?
Yes. Different fixing systems are used for corrugated, Klip-Lok and tile roofs.
