If you are looking to renovate the outside your property or install protection in your guttering from the elements, then you will likely have come across the terms ‘Gutter Guards’ and ‘Ember Guards’.
Whilst these two terms both sound very similar and contain the word guard in them, they are actually two very different products and are designed to do two very specific jobs. In order to make sure you are able to choose the right product for your home, we have taken a closer look at both items…
What are Gutter Guards?
Primarily, a gutter guard is exactly what the name suggests; a guard that has been designed to protect your gutter from leaves and other debris. There are a wide range of guards available, with each one designed to cater for specific jobs and type of debris.
This means that there is a lot of variety when it comes to choosing the right guard for your property, with a solution available for every budget. We have previously taken a look at the best guards in Australia as well as looking at the various costs involved when installing them.
Gutter guards are suitable to use in almost every property and they are able to keep out debris which can clog up your gutter; which in turn lead to extensive damage to your roof, rooms and even foundations.
If you live in an area that is prone to bushfires, gutter guards are not compulsory but they are a sound investment if you want to defend your home against fire damage. With leaves and other highly flammable debris clogging up your gutter, it can act as the perfect fuel to instantly ignite from a stray ember.
What are Ember Guards
If you do live in an area more known for bushfires, then an ember guard is a very valuable investment to make for your home. These covers are able to be inserted into any opening or cavity on your property and are designed to stop any embers entering the property and igniting any flammable material.
With the vast majority of homes destroyed in a bushfire first igniting from a stray ember, these non-combustible mesh sheets are a must buy for many home owners. In fact, new regulation means that every new home being constructed in a bushfire prone area has to be built with measures that improve the buildings ability to withstand an ember attack. This regulation, Australia Standard AS3959-2009, requires gaps greater that 3mm to be covered by an ember guard or sheet.
Depending on the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of the area, then these guards are either constructed from Steel, Bronze or Aluminium.
Is there a guard that can be both?
There are some gutter guards on the market, particularly those that are constructed with steel mesh, that are able to act as an ember guard too. However it is important to check with the manufacturer or professional installer to ensure that your products are capable of meeting both standards – most gutter guards and not actually compliant with the same safety requirements that an ember guard is.
Which is right for you home?
Deciding on which option to choose for your home will depend on a number of factors, such as your location, budget and size of your property.
To fully protect your home from a bushfire, then you will need to ensure that not only is there not an opportunity for burning embers to enter the property but also that flammable material such as dead leaves and other debris is not building up.
If you are unsure of what option is best for you, or if you would like to discuss how to protect your home further, get in touch with our industry-leading experts today to find out more.
