Gutter Guard King Tas Blog

For most, if not all, homeowners in Australia, having a gutter or ember guard is a must. After all, they're designed to protect gutters from leaves and debris as well as keeping out birds and embers, that can lead to a whole host of other issues. However, there is one problem: not many people know that gutter guards and ember guards are actually two different things. We can't blame them, however, as the two names are quite similar.

That said, to help you distinguish between a gutter guard and an ember guard, we want to talk about their differences and which one is the right pick for you:

What's a Gutter Guard?

A gutter guard is a device that is installed over the top of a gutter to keep leaves and other debris from clogging the gutter. Gutters are designed to channel rainwater away from a building, but when they become clogged with leaves and other debris, they can no longer do their job properly. This can lead to water damage to the building and its foundation.

Gutter Guards are also exceptional at keeping birds out of your gutters and roof space. At Gutter Guard King Tas we have helped hundreds of customers around Hobart and beyond bird proof their gutters with gutter guard.

What's an Ember Guard?

An ember guard is a device that helps to protect your home from embers that may be carried by the wind from a nearby bush fire. Ember guards are typically made of metal mesh and are placed over openings such as windows, doors, and gutters. Ember guards can also be placed on the roof to help protect the home from embers that may fall from the sky.

Poorly-specified gutter mesh may put your property at risk from bushfire by letting leaves into your gutters or letting embers through the gaps between your guttering and roof.

The vast majority of homes destroyed during bushfires are victims of ember attack, meaning they ignite and burn due to contact with windborne embers (burning debris) rather than direct flame contact.

Your gutters are a prime source of such ember attacks. They make you vulnerable to ember attack in two significant ways.

1. Inside your gutters Dry leaves in gutters are a source of fuel that can be ignited by bushfire embers. Unprotected gutters are the main reason for this problem; however, poorly specified gutter mesh can also leave you vulnerable to this threat by allowing leaves to enter your gutters.

2. Inside your building Embers can get inside your building through small gaps between your roof, gutters and fascia. They can then start a fire when they land on insulation or other fuel sources. Only a gutter mesh made from materials approved to the Australian standard AS3959-2009 such as corrosion-resistant steel, and with an aperture of 2mm or smaller, will keep embers out of your gutters.

Gutter Guards vs Ember Guards: Which One Do I Pick?

In the world of gutter guards and ember guards, there are a lot of choices to make. Do you want a product that is effective at keeping leaves and debris out of your gutters or one that is effective at keeping embers from entering your home? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of home you have, the climate you live in, and your budget.

If you live in a non-bushfire and need a solutions to prevent leaves or birds from entering your gutters then a standard gutter guard is probably the best choice for you.

If however you live in an area prone to bushfires, then an compliant ember guard is probably the best choice for you.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that the best choice for you depends on your specific needs. If you are not sure which type of guard is best for your home, then you should consult with a professional. They can help you understand which one better suits you, ensuring that you invest in the right solution to not only keep your gutters clean and clear of any debris but your home a safe place to be.

Do you have a tricky roof or unusual gutters? Need help measuring your roof? Gutter Guard King Tas is able to design and manufacture customised gutter mesh solutions for almost any property.

Custom Design

Sometimes, gutter mesh installations are complicated by your roof or gutter design. To overcome this challenge, we can develop tailored gutter mesh solutions and installation methods for your building. This may be necessary if you have a nonstandard roof or gutters and you need to facilitate installation on awkward materials or avoid corrosion from mixed metals. 

Gutter Guards King Tas offers professional gutter guard, ember guard, and bird proofing services to meet all your gutter-related needs. If you are looking for ember guards and more in Hobart or Launceston, reach out to us today!

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