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Snow and Gutter Mesh: What You Need to Know
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Snow and Gutter Mesh: What You Need to Know

by | Jun 26, 2024 | Protect your building

Winter can transform your home into a picturesque wonderland, but it also brings challenges, especially when it comes to your gutters and your gutter guard. One often overlooked issue is how snow impacts gutter guards. While many people focus on preventing leaves and debris from clogging their gutters, snow can pose a significant threat that needs careful consideration. The weight and pressure from snow accumulation can damage your mesh, and having damaged mesh can be as problematic as having no gutter protection at all.

 

The Hidden Danger of Snow on Gutter Mesh

Imagine waking up after a heavy snowfall, admiring the serene white blanket covering your surroundings. The last thing on your mind is the state of your gutter mesh. Yet, as the snow piles up, the weight increases, and not all gutter mesh materials are up to the task. This can lead to tearing, sagging, or even complete failure of your gutter protection system. Damaged mesh can allow debris to enter, causing blockages and water overflow, which can damage your home’s foundation and exterior.

To give you an idea: depending on its water content, snow can be surprisingly heavy. A square metre of 10cm deep snow weighs between 10 and nearly 100kg – a pretty significant weight to bear.

 

Why Material Choice Matters

The choice of gutter mesh material is crucial in regions prone to heavy snowfall. Steel gutter mesh, known for its strength and durability, can withstand the additional weight that snow brings. Unlike some other materials, steel remains robust under pressure, ensuring your gutters stay clear and functional even during the harshest winter conditions.

On the other hand, aluminium gutter mesh, while secure under lighter loads, may not always be the best choice for areas with substantial snowfall. The added weight can cause aluminium to bend or warp, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to costly repairs.

 

Preventing Problems Before They Start

Selecting the right gutter mesh can prevent numerous problems. Steel gutter mesh provides peace of mind, knowing your gutters are protected against the heaviest snowfalls. This durable material ensures that your gutter system remains intact, preventing blockages and water damage to your home. While aluminium gutter mesh is a viable option in areas with lighter snowfall, it’s essential to assess your specific needs and consider whether aluminium can handle the snow load in your region.

 

Investing in quality gutter mesh is a proactive step towards protecting your home. It’s easy to overlook this aspect, but the consequences of damaged or inadequate gutter mesh can be severe. Water overflow from blocked gutters can lead to foundation damage, flooding, and even structural issues. Ensuring your gutter mesh can handle the snow load prevents these problems, maintaining the integrity of your home.

 

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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