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Why Size Matters: Gutter Mesh
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Why Size Matters: Gutter Mesh

by | Aug 21, 2022 | General

Why Size Matters: Gutter Mesh

If you’ve never shopped for gutter mesh or another gutter guard product before, you may be surprised to learn just how many options are out there.

Many people don’t realise it, but gutter mesh is anything but a one-size-fits-all.

Instead, different homes require different mesh, and that mesh comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes and materials.

Aper-what? 

One particularly important difference between different types of gutter mesh is aperture.

“Aperture” refers to the size of the holes in your mesh, and is generally given in millimetres.

This hole size matters because (as you’ll soon see) different apertures are better suited to different environments and situations.

Leaf size & aperture 

One principal factor affecting ideal aperture choice is leaf size.

Smaller leaves such as Poinciana or Jacaranda leaves fit into smaller spaces and gaps. Because of this, homes and buildings in areas where small leafed plants grow may require gutter mesh with a smaller aperture than those in an area where the smallest leaf you’re likely to encounter comes from Bamboo.

As keeping leaves out of gutters is one of the main reasons people install gutter mesh in the first place, it’s important to match your mesh aperture to your leaf size. This then helps to prevent related problems including clogged gutters and flooding.

Bushfire risk & aperture 

Bushfire risks are another factor that can affect your mesh aperture options.

Australian Standard AS3959-2009 stipulates that in bushfire-prone areas, any gaps greater than 3mm in a new build home must be sealed by mesh with a maximum 2mm aperture (or other permitted materials). This helps to defend your home against ember attack (the entry of embers that can set your home alight from the inside-out).

Because of this, mesh that’s used as an ember guard on new homes in bushfire-prone areas must have a 2mm aperture or smaller.

Rain Harvesting & aperture 

Anyone with a Rain Harvesting system should take the health of their system into account when selecting mesh apertures.

The goal of Rain Harvesting is to harvest cleaner rainwater and lots of it that can be stored in a tank and used around your property or home. Gutter mesh aperture determines which organic and non-organic materials will end up in your gutters – and thus in your Rain Harvesting system.

Because of this, smaller mesh apertures tend to be ideal for quality Rain Harvesting.

Be aper-sure 

As you can see, when it comes to gutter mesh, size really does matter.

Getting it right means you can enjoy the peace of mind gutter mesh can bring. Getting it wrong, on the other hand… well, that’s another story.

If you’d like to be “aper-sure” and choose the most suitable aperture mesh for your home, use our Mesh Matcher tool today. Mesh Matcher asks 6 simple questions and uses your answers to recommend the right gutter mesh for your property so you can enjoy greater peace of mind. It’s quick and easy to use, so what are you waiting for?

Sources:
Blanchi & Leonard, Investigation of Bushfire Attack Mechanisms Resulting in House Loss in the ACT Bushfire 2003, 2005
Standards Australia, Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas, 2009

The Growing Bushfire Threat 

Australia’s bushfire seasons are becoming more intense and unpredictable. The devastating 2019–2020 Black Summer fires burned over 24 million hectares, destroyed more than 3,000 homes, and impacted communities across the country (Statista, 2023). And the risks are only increasing: 

  • Fire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer. 
  • Extreme fire weather is becoming more frequent. 
  • The annual area burned is growing. 

Prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, and drier landscapes are creating the perfect storm for fires to ignite and spread rapidly (Bowman et al., 2017). In some regions, fire seasons are now over a month longer than they were 35 years ago (NASA, 2023). 

Your Gutters: A Hidden Fire Risk 

When it comes to bushfire preparedness, many homeowners focus on clearing vegetation around their property. But one critical weak spot is often overlooked—gutters.This phenomenon, known as an ember attack, is responsible for up to 90% of homes lost in bushfires (Leonard et al., 2016). Dry leaves and debris in gutters provide the perfect fuel, allowing fire to spread to the roof and into the home within minutes. 

Gutter Protection: A Simple Yet Powerful Defence 

 
Investing in effective gutter protection is a key step in reducing your home’s bushfire risk. At Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh, we offer premium ember guard-compliant gutter mesh, designed to defend against ember attack. Our 2mm steel and aluminium gutter mesh options meet Australian Standard AS3959-2018 for ember guard compliance while preventing flammable debris buildup in your gutters—a critical factor since up to 90% of bushfire-related property losses stem from ember ignition. Crafted from non-combustible, corrosion-resistant materials, our mesh keeps embers and leaves out, safeguarding your home. 
 
2mm Steel Gutter Mesh: Ember guard compliant for all BALs (12.5, 19, 29, 40 and Flame Zone) 

2mm Aluminium Mesh: Features a woven edge for extra durability and is ember guard compliant for BALs 12.5, 19 and 29. 

5 Signs Your Gutters Need Protection Now 

  1. Leaves and debris constantly build up. 
  2. Water spills over during heavy rain. 
  3. Your gutters are sagging or pulling away. 
  4. Stains or water damage appear on exterior walls. 
  5. You live in a bushfire-prone area. 

Bushfire Readiness Checklist: 

✅ Install ember guards to your gutters 
✅ Regularly clear gutters and roof valleys. 
✅ Remove flammable materials from around your home. 
✅ Practice your evacuation plan with your family. 

The risk of bushfires is real—and growing. Don’t wait until the flames are at your doorstep. Protect your home now, starting from the top down. 

We're here to help you build a safer, more resilient home.

Talk to our team today about ember guard solutions for your property.

Click Here

 

Reference List 

  1. Statista. (2023). Impact of the 2019–2020 Australian bushfires. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com 
  1. Bowman, D. M. J. S., Balch, J. K., Artaxo, P., Bond, W. J., Cochrane, M. A., D’Antonio, C. M., … & Swetnam, T. W. (2017). Fire in the Earth System. Science, 324(5926), 481–484. doi:10.1126/science.1163886 
  1. NASA. (2023). Bushfire season length and climate trends. Retrieved from https://climate.nasa.gov 
  1. Leonard, J., Blanchi, R., Bowditch, P., & Besnard, V. (2016). Building loss due to wildfire: Trends and future risk influences. CSIRO Bushfire Research. Retrieved from https://www.csiro.au 
  1. Standards Australia. (2018). AS3959-2018: Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas. Retrieved from https://www.standards.org.au