Choosing the right all steel gutter guard

Transcription

Choosing the right all steel gutter guard
CORROSION RESISTANCE + A Blue Mountain Mesh Information Guide +
+ 2013
Choosing the
right all steel
gutter guard
WHY ZINC-COATED STEEL SHOULD
BE YOUR FIRST CHOICE
The harsh Australian environment really puts building materials to
the test. The effects of extreme heat, storms, bushfire and living in
coastal environments means architects, builders, property owners and
tradespeople are all looking for materials that can withstand all kinds of
environmental pressures.
Steel is a material that many people look to when choosing a gutter
guard, because it is durable, cost effective and looks the part. Because
once you’ve built a home, you need to look after it - protecting your
investment and making the task of maintaining your property easier.
Building a home needs to consider the whole life cycle of the building.
A home that takes in its environment, is designed and built to perform
efficiently, and minimise maintenance is important to maximise your
long term investment.
One of the key areas for maintenance on a property is the roof and
gutter. A build-up of leaves and other debris can cause significant
maintenance issues, increasing the risks of flooding, bushfire, pest
infestation and falls from ladders. A recognised way to prevent blocked
gutters, and effectively manage these environmental and safety risks,
is to install gutter guards (also known as gutter mesh).
++ One of the key areas for maintenance on a
property is the roof and gutter.
++ Installing gutter guard is an effective way to
prevent blocked gutters, and effectively manage
many environmental and safety risks (flooding,
bushfire, pest infestation and falls from ladders).
++ There are lots of myths around using all steel
products as gutter protection.
++ Understanding the key differences in how gutter
guards are made will help you make an informed
choice.
++ Independent tests have confirmed that using
hot-dipped, zinc coated steel provides superior
protection against the weather and other
environmental risks.
With so many gutter guard products to choose from, consumers,
builders and architects are keen to understand the key differences
before choosing a product. Balancing needs of product quality,
longevity, appearance and cost first requires an understanding of how
steel gutter guards are made and installed, including the different
manufacturing methods and materials used.
This paper will look at:
++ A comparison of manufacturing methods used by three popular
gutter guard brands.
++ The corrosion myths around using all steel gutter guards.
++ Results from independent tests that confirm the corrosion
resistance of Blue Mountain Mesh all steel gutter guards.
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Photo : CRAWFISH HEAD, Dec 2008
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THE BENEFITS OF ALL STEEL GUTTER GUARDS
Gutters are the unsung heroes of your home,
forming a vital part of home construction.
The main function of a gutter is to remove or
transport water away from the roof of your
home – either into a drainpipe or water collection
and storage system. Without gutters, water that
falls on your roof can flow toward the walls, seep
into cracks and get inside, causing extensive
flood, moisture and structural damage.
A gutter does a good job of removing this water,
so long as it is properly maintained. Blockages
are common and gutters require ongoing
maintenance to ensure they can function
properly. A gutter filled with leaves and debris
is also a dangerous source of fuel for bushfires;
and can provide a haven for vermin and other
pests. Left unchecked, clogged gutters can
eventually lower the value of your property or
result in extremely expensive repairs.
Experts generally recommend that you clean
your gutters at least once every three months;
and more frequently if leafy trees hang over
your roof. This takes time and can be risky if you
do it yourself; or expensive if you need to pay
someone else to do this job for you.
A gutter guard provides a long term solution to
solve this problem by preventing debris from
Something
as simple as
ensuring your
gutters are
clean and clear
is actually a
very important
factor in home
maintenance.
Without it,
damage to your
property could be
a serious issue.
entering the gutter in the first place. The most
advanced gutter protection systems use a
fine yet strong steel mesh fitted to the roof to
prevent leaves and other debris from entering
the gutter.
Only the highest quality steel gutter mesh
provides the strongest protection against
the elements (wind, rain and hail) and is also
non-combustible, which means it meets the
Australian Standard for the Construction of
buildings in bushfire-prone areas (AS39592009) (see Blue Mountain Mesh Information
Guide Issue – Bushfire Building Compliance
or Ember Attack Protection). Steel is also
strong enough to withstand attack from the
most persistent pests, including possums and
birds that can infiltrate roof spaces and cause
significant and costly maintenance issues (see
Blue Mountain Mesh Information Guide Issue –
Pest Control).
However, some consumers have been
concerned about using steel gutter guards
because they believe they will corrode, especially
in coastal locations. With more than 8 in 10
Australians (85%) living within 50 kilometres of
the coastline of Australia (ABS 2006), corrosion
resistance is an important consideration.
WHAT IS CORROSION?
Corrosion is the deterioration of metal as a
result of chemical reactions between it and
the surrounding environment. We generally
use the term ‘rust’ to describe corrosion
in iron and steel. The form and rate of
corrosion depends on the type of metal and
environmental conditions – particularly which
gases are in contact with it.
Corrosion of steel is an electrochemical
reaction that requires the presence of water
(H2O), oxygen (O2) and ions such as chloride
ions (Cl¯), all of which exist in the atmosphere.
Atmospheric chloride ions are in greatest
abundance anywhere near the coastline.
This electrochemical reaction starts when
atmospheric oxygen oxidizes iron in the
presence of water.
The hydroxide
quickly oxidizes
to form rust
Iron Hydroxide
forms and
precipitates
O2
OH
Iron
Fe2+
e¯
Cathode action
reduces oxygen
from air, forming
hydroxide ions
In addition, the atmosphere also carries emissions from human
activity, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO),
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Water
Droplet
e¯
electron
flow
Fe2+
e¯
OH
e¯
Anode action
causes pitting
of the iron
-
O2
Electrochemical
cell action driven
by the energy of
oxidation continues
the corrosion
process
sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrous oxide (NO2) and many other
chemicals, which can also be significant in the corrosion process.
If any two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other, the
more reactive metal will corrode in preference to the less reactive
metal (Key to Metals, 2013).
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GALVANIC OR DISSIMILAR METALS
CORROSION
+ 2013
CORRODED END
anodic or less noble
Magnesium
Zinc
Galvanic corrosion is corrosion damage created when dissimilar materials are joined by
a corrosive electrolyte. For example, steel and aluminium touching and an electrolyte
such as salt-water or even rain water. This can happen on roofing where different metal
products are used on roof and gutters.
Aluminum
Cadmium
Steel
When two different metals are in contact with a corrosive solution, (e.g. water) each will
develop a corrosion potential and become positive/negative ends of an electric circuit.
In this case, one metal will be the anode and one the cathode. The corrosion rate of the
anode will be increased (e.g. zinc or aluminium will corrode faster and so is sacrificial) and
the cathode will decrease (e.g steel will corrode less and is protected).
Lead
Tin
Nickel
Brass
Bronzes
All environments are corrosive to some degree, although certain environments create
more intense breeding conditions for corrosion than others. This includes areas where
there is more water exposure, such as marine or coastal environments. However, the
most common factor leading to corrosion, and eventual material replacement, is time
(BlueScope Steel 2003a).
The table (right) shows a series of metals arranged in order of electrochemical activity
in seawater (the electrolyte). This arrangement of metals determines what metal will be
the anode and cathode when the two are put in a electrolytic cell. Metals higher on the
scale provide cathodic or sacrificial protection to the metals below them. Therefore,
zinc protects steel (American Galvanizers Association, 2013).
Copper
Nickel-Copper Alloys
Stainless Steels (passive)
Silver
Gold
HOW DO WE PROTECT STEEL AGAINST CORROSION?
There are various ways to protect steel against corrosion. A common way involves using the reaction
between dissimilar metals called ‘Sacrificial Protection, Cathodic Protection or Galvanic Protection’. The
most widely used metal for this purpose is zinc, which provides a barrier between the steel substrate and
corrosive elements in the atmosphere (e.g. water and gases).
Zinc is a great choice in protecting steel, as not only does it not allow moisture and corrosive chlorides
and sulfides to attack the steel, it corrodes in preference to the steel at a generally slower rate. This
is because zinc is more anodic than steel, which means the zinc will corrode first until it is entirely
consumed, prolonging the life of the steel.
During the galvanisation process (i.e. when steel is submerged in melted zinc) a chemical reaction
permanently bonds the zinc to the steel. The most external layer is zinc, but successive layers are a
mixture of zinc and iron, with an interior of pure steel.
Furthermore, the zinc’s sacrificial action also offers protection where small areas of steel may be
exposed due to cut edges, drill holes, scratches. This means that the cathodic protection of the steel
continues until all the zinc is consumed.
Exposed steel
is protected
Platinum
PROTECTED END
cathodic or most noble
What is
Galvanised Steel?
Galvanised steel is
steel that has gone
through a chemical
process to keep it
from corroding. The
steel gets coated
in layers of zinc
oxide because this
protective metal
does not get rusty as
easily. The coating
also gives the steel
a more durable, hard
to scratch finish
that many people
find attractive. For
countless outdoor,
marine, or industrial
applications,
galvanized steel is an
essential fabrication
component.
(Wisegeek 2013)
Cathodic protection of the steel from corrosion continues until all the zinc is consumed
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A MATTER OF FORM – NOT ALL STEEL GUTTER GUARDS
ARE THE SAME
Not all steel gutter guards are created equal, and their difference comes from the way they are manufactured. Some steel gutter
mesh products are formed by stretching sheets of steel and cutting small holes in it to make ‘mesh’/apertures which leaves a myriad
of edges which are not zinc coated and therefore subject to rust. There are many steel gutter guard products on the market that do
not use a galvanizing system where this method of manufacturing would be a cause for concern.
The most advanced gutter guard manufacturers use a hot dip galvanised system, where the product is coated in zinc, which adds to
the corrosion protection. In this method, the act of galvanising steel causes zinc compounds to build up at cut edges by an electrolytic
reaction whenever water or moisture is present. The effect is that these zinc compounds slow the rate of corrosion for the underlying
metal if there were cut areas present (BlueScope Steel 2003a).
A COMPARISON OF THREE LEADING
ALL STEEL GUTTER MESH / GUTTER GUARD PRODUCTS
1. COLORBOND® Steel Gutter Guard manufactured from COLORBOND® Steel
COLORBOND® Steel is a preferred product for roofing and fencing Australia wide and has an extremely strong brand name. Due
to this strong brand name, a number of gutter guard suppliers supply and install COLORBOND® steel gutter guards made from
COLORBOND® steel, but COLORBOND® steel was not designed to be used as a gutter guard, and is not really fit for purpose as a
gutter guard.
The main reason is due to the production process, specifically in the expansion process, during which the coil is cut and slit to create
apertures – or holes – to form the mesh. In this process the polyester primer and the top coat of the COLORBOND® steel are broken,
leaving the ZINCALUME® steel base exposed. This exposed base is now open to rust, leaving the gutters open to rust when placing
the COLORBOND® steel gutter guard made of COLORBOND® steel on the gutters on the roof.
COLORBOND® steel combines the best of modern steel
making technologies, developed over decades by BlueScope
Steel.
1. We start with a ZINCALUME® steel base. ZINCALUME® steel
has a zinc/aluminium alloy coating that delivers outstanding
anti-corrosion performance.
2. We apply a conversion layer to the surface of the steel to
improve adhesion.
3. We then bake a polyester primer onto the surface.
4. Finally, we apply the top coat - a specially developed, exterior
grade paint that is baked on to ensure maximum resistance to
chipping, peeling and cracking.
COLORBOND® steel is made using Super Polyester coating
technology, ensuring the painted finish retains its “as new” look
for longer.
Reference : How is COLORBOND steel made. www.colorbond.com/
technology/colorbond-steel/how-is-it-made
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2. Gutter Guard made from ZINCALUME® Steel Mesh
Some ZINCALUME ® steel mesh gutter guards have a similar appearance to the various COLORBOND® steel gutter guards made
from COLORBOND® steel, but there are two main differences between this type of mesh and the COLORBOND® steel gutter guard
made from COLORBOND® steel:
++ Stretched/expanded from ZINCALUME® steel, not COLORBOND® steel
++ Powder coated after the expansion and cutting process to cover all edges and surfaces of the mesh, both front and back
Some gutter guard manufacturers claim that by using ZINCALUME® steel (zinc/aluminium alloy-coated steel) and 360 degree powder
coating gives the product the protection of a total coating. However, experts have questioned the claims that ZINCALUME® steel
has a longer lifetime than hot dip galvanised steel – with some suggesting that to claim its protective properties are superior to hot dip
galvanized steel would be both ‘misleading and irresponsible’ (Hot Dip Galvanizing Today, 2005).
COLORBOND® steel combines the corrosion resistance of a ZINCALUME® steel base with a durable, oven baked paint finish.
AN EXTRACT FROM THE
ARTICLE “ZINCALUME
VERSUS HOT DIP
GALVANIZING”
(Hot Dip Galvanizing Today, 2005)
OTHER FACTORS THAT NEED TO BE
CONSIDERED
Formability:
The zinc/aluminum coating is more prone
to damage and cracking than a pure zinc
coating, particularly where thicker steel
sections are involved. This can result
in micro cracking of the coating when
severe bending or forming takes place.
Edge protection:
The cathodic protection provided
by the hot dip galvanizing process is
substantially more effective than that
available from the Zinc Aluminium
coating. Steel sections in excess of
0.6mm thickness will display distinct rust
staining on cropped edges. In the case of
the general hot dip galvanizing process,
such problems do not apply in that all
surfaces are provided with a protective
coating.
Summary:
The zinc/aluminum coating (Zincalume)
is an excellent coating in most
environments when used, for example,
as roof sheeting. To claim that its
protective properties are superior to the
substantially thicker and metallurgically
different hot dip galvanized coating
applied to fabricated products would be
both misleading and irresponsible.
bluemountainmesh.com.au
Feature
"Zincalume" versus hot dip galvanizing
The zinc / aluminium coating as applied
to continuously coated steel sheet
provides excellent corrosion resistance
in the case of atmospheric exposure in
most environments. The same does not
of course pertain in buried or immersed
conditions where the corrosion
mechanism of selective leaching can
significantly influence the corrosion
resistant life of this coating. For
atmospheric exposure, the claim is
made that "Zincalume" will provide a
lifetime of up to four times that of hot
dip galvanized steel under the same
conditions. This claim is no doubt
correct when it comes to comparing
normal continuously hot dip galvanized
steel e.g. roof sheeting with material
onto which the Zn/AI coating has been
applied by means of a similar process.
The bland statement that "Zincalume"
steel has a lifetime of up to four times
that of hot dip galvanized steel is,
however, nebulous and, hence,
misleading since it does not define
coating thickness or for that matter the
difference in coating structure
obtained from the hot dip galvanized
coating applied after fabrication to that
obtained on continuously hot dip
galvanized coil. The following
technical information is given with a
view to providing a transparent and
unbiased picture.
Continuously hot dip galvanized steel
coil (Zendzimir Process). The zinc
coating applied on this material in
general use is referred to as Z275 i.e.
275g/m2 of zinc or more accurately
137.5g/m2 per side. Converted into
coating thickness, this yields an average
thickness between 18 and 20 microns
per side of a relatively pure zinc coating
where iron/zinc alloys are virtually
absent.
Furthermore, the specification makes
allowances for only 40% of the
individual value (235g/m2) i.e. 13.5µm to
be found on one side.
The claim that a "Zincalume" coating
will provide up to four times the life of
this coating in atmospheric exposure is
probably correct from a barrier
protection aspect.
General Hot Dip Galvanizing
after Fabrication
This process provides a coating
thickness of 60 to 80 microns on
relatively thin steel sections such as
that used for the manufacture of
palisade fencing. Added to this, the
coating structure consists of between
50% and about 80% iron/zinc alloys,
which provide 30% greater corrosion
resistance in most environments than
that available from pure zinc.
Apart from the added protection
provided by the iron/zinc alloys, it must
be borne in mind that this coating is
some 5 times thicker than that provided
by the "Zincalume" coating.
For these reasons, the claim that a life
of four times greater is obtainable from
"Zincalume" is most certainly not
applicable to hot dip galvanizing as
applied by the general hot dip
galvanizing process.
Other Factors that need to be
considered
Formability:
The Zinc Aluminium coating is more
prone to damage and cracking than a
pure zinc coating, particularly where
thicker steel sections are involved. This
can result in micro cracking of the
coating when severe bending or forming
takes place.
Edge Protection:
The cathodic protection provided by the
hot dip galvanizing processes is
substantially more effective than that
available from the Zinc AIuminium
coating. Steel sections in excess of
0.6mm thickness will display distinct
rust staining on cropped edges. In the
case of the general hot dip galvanizing
process, such problems do not apply in
that all surfaces are provided with a
protective coating.
Summary:
The edge protection properties provided by a zinc / aluminium coating are substantially less than
that provided by a hot dip galvanized coating.
The zinc / aluminium coating
(Zincalume) is an excellent coating in
most environments when used, for
example, as roof sheeting. To claim
that its protective properties are
superior to the substantially thicker and
metallurgically different hot dip
galvanized coating applied to fabricated
products would be both misleading and
irresponsible.
48 Hot Dip Galvanizing Today Volume 2 Issue 2 2005
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3. Hot Dipped Zinc Coated All Steel Mesh Gutter Guard
By contrast, Blue Mountain Mesh is manufactured by weaving and
welding steel to form a mesh, before it is put through a process of
hot dipped zinc coating, priming, painting and oven baking to deliver
a coating thickness that provides superior corrosion resistance. Its
unique woven and welded design eliminates all concerns regarding
corrosion from cut edges.
All the edges on Blue Mountain Mesh are covered in the
manufacturing process. Unlike other steel mesh, there are no
concerns regarding cut edges as the mesh itself is formed using
base wire, galvanised steel, primer and paint. These layers provide
additional protection to the base wire, provided that each layer
is evenly distributed and properly sealed. This is an advanced
manufacturing process that, combined with proper installation
methods, affords the highest level of gutter protection.
Furthermore, the zinc’s sacrificial action also offers protection
where small areas of steel may be exposed due to drill holes or
scratches. This means that the cathodic protection of the steel
continues until all the zinc is consumed.
Cross section of Blue Mountain Mesh
– showing the layers of strength the product is made
Blue Mountain Mesh is
manufactured by weaving
and welding steel to form a
mesh, before it is put through
a process of hot dipped zinc
coating, priming, painting
and oven baking to deliver
a coating thickness that
provides superior corrosion
resistance.
HOW LONG WILL STEEL MESH GUTTER GUARD LAST?
Anyone considering installing a gutter guard at their home will ask the same question. How long will this product last? Of course, their
concern relates to how well they will be protected for their investment. Not all manufacturers will know the answer to this question,
despite offering warranties between 10 and 25 years for their products.
Blue Mountain Mesh has commissioned independent tests through UniQuest and the CSIRO to support their claims that their
All Steel mesh products meet relevant Australian Standards around zinc coating, corrosion, blistering and cracking; and to give
homeowners, retailers, installers and other industry professionals confidence around the longevity of the all steel product.
So what did they test, and how did the all steel mesh perform?
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RESULTS OF BLUE MOUNTAIN MESH’S INDEPENDENT TESTING
TEST TYPE
METHOD USED
Coating thickness and
consistency test
THE RESULTS
High resolution microscopy
was used to determine base
wire thickness and nature,
i.e. How reliable is the coating? thickness and consistency of
wire coatings.
The test confirmed that Blue Mountain All Steel Mesh Gutter
Guard meets the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4534:2006,
Zinc and zinc/aluminium-alloy coatings on steel wire. Each
corrosion-resistant layer of material was found to be wellbound and continuous, preventing environmental elements
such as sunlight and rain penetrating the base wire and causing
rust and decay (UniQuest 2006).
Longevity test
Microscopic measurements
were used to estimate how long
the anti-corrosive coating will
last in various environments
based on the mass of zinc
coating used.
Tests confirmed the coating on Blue Mountain All Steel
Mesh Gutter Guard will last well in excess of the 12 year
warranty period. In fact, the tests offered a projected life
expectancy of up to 60 years in moderate climates with light
industrial pollution or very light marine influence (e.g. includes
Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart; as well as inland cities such
as Ballarat and Canberra); and up to 25 years in ocean-front
towns and cities situated up to 30km from the shore (UniQuest
2006).
A QUV Weathering Tester was
used to subject the products to
UV light and salt spray exposure
equivalent to a period of 12
years outdoors.
The tests concluded that there was no evidence of failure or
corrosion of the steel on Blue Mountain All Steel Mesh Gutter
Guard, with the zinc coating offering superior anti-corrosion
qualities (UniQuest 2006).
A method of cyclic accelerated
corrosion that relates more
closely to long term natural
exposure than conventional
salt spray, humidity or sulphur
dioxide tests.
At completion, the samples showed no signs of red rust,
blistering or cracking of the undercoat or topcoat. Blue
Mountain All Steel Mesh Gutter Guard therefore meets the
Australian Standards for Degree of corrosion (AS 1580 481),
Degree of blistering (AS 1580 481.1.9), and Degree of cracking
(AS 1580 481.1.10) (CSIRO 2012).
i.e. How long will it last?
Weathering test
i.e. How well does it withstand
the weather?
Prohesion testing
i.e. How well does it withstand
the weather?
Blue Mountain Mesh has commissioned
independent tests through UniQuest and the
CSIRO to support their claims that their All
Steel mesh products meet relevant Australian
Standards around zinc coating, corrosion,
blistering and cracking
bluemountainmesh.com.au
Steel coupons in salt fog chamber.
Photo : KARL PULTKE Mar 2006
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The results show that, Blue Mountain Mesh’s 12 year warranty is a very conservative estimate based on exposure in the most
demanding marine environments. Independent test results from UniQuest demonstrate that it is suitable in a wide range of
environments and will last from 12 – 60 years, as reported in UniQuest’s corrosion AS/NZS 4534:2006 test findings below:
ATMOSPHERIC
CLASSIFICATION
Mild
Moderate/ Tropical
Industrial
Marine
Severe Marine
MILD
ISO Category 1-2
Areas far inland
ISO CATEGORY
DESCRIPTION
INDICATIVE LIFE (YEARS)
1-2
Areas far inland
60-140
2
Inland other than
far inland
25-60
3-4
Areas around major
industrial complexes
8-25
3
Areas influenced by
coastal salts
12-25
4
Begins anywhere from 100-400
metres in from the beach front of
breaking surf and can extend inland
3-12
MODERATE
ISO Category 2
Inland other than
far inland
INDUSTRIAL
ISO Category 3-4
Areas around major
industrial complexes
MARINE
SEVERE MARINE
Areas influenced by
coastal salts
Begins anywhere from100-400
meters from the beach front of
breaking surf and can extend inland
ISO Category 3
ISO Category 4
Tests confirmed the coating on Blue Mountain All Steel Mesh Gutter Guard will last the 12 year warranty period.
In fact, the tests offered a projected life expectancy of up to 60 years in moderate climates … and up to 25 years in ocean-front towns
and cities situated up to 30km from the shore (UniQuest 2006).
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HOW CAN THE RH GROUP HELP?
The RH Group is an Australian company driven to help every person and every
community make the most of their environmental assets.
We design, manufacture and wholesale high quality and sustainable water,
environmental and trade products for Australian and international markets. We work
with governments, retailers, distributors and consumers all over the world to find
smarter, more innovative solutions to challenges created by our environment, and in
doing so, create more sustainable futures.
Our Blue Mountain Mesh advanced gutter protection system offers homeowners
protection from a range of environmental hazards, including flooding during storms and
ember attack during bushfire.
ABOUT BLUE MOUNTAIN MESH
Born out of fire: The inspiration behind Blue Mountain Mesh’s all-steel gutter mesh
came from the most tragic circumstances: watching a man trying in vain to save his
family home from a savage bushfire. As the man struggled to put out the flames that
had erupted in the roof gutters of his home, extreme gusts of wind blew more burning
embers onto his roof. Fueled by an abundance of leaves and debris in the home’s
gutters, his efforts to extinguish the fire with his garden hose were futile. While none of
his family were injured in the blaze, the home and all belongings were lost.
Blue Mountain Mesh products prevent leaves and debris from entering gutters and
downpipes. The all steel, fire resistant gutter mesh minimises gutter maintenance and
improves the quality of rain water collected for tanks. The proprietary hot dipped zinc
coated and oven baked manufacturing process offers superior corrosion and heat
resistance, providing superior protection for homes over the longer term.
We look forward to opportunities to help more Australians reduce risk and protect
themselves and their greatest assets. For more information on our all steel, custommade gutter protection products visit www.bluemountainmesh.com.au or call 1800
612 908.
+ 2013
WHY CHOOSE
BLUE MOUNTAIN
MESH?
++ Blue Mountain All Steel Gutter
Mesh® is hot dipped galvanised,
zinc coated steel which provides a
corrosion resistant layer.
++ Our zinc coated corrosion
resistant steel mesh is strong and
durable and will stand the test of
time
++ Our entire range is bushfire
compliant and conforms to
the Australian Standard for the
Construction of buildings in
bushfire-prone areas (AS39592009) and the updated Australian
Standard for the ember guard
protection of sheet roofs
(AS3959-2009/Amdt 2011).
++ Our unique steel profile ensures
our steel mesh lies perfectly flat
and means the finished product
looks like a seamless addition to
your roof.
++ Our mesh fits all gutter profiles
and can be adapted for all roof
types, custom made and available
in a choice of over 30 colours.
++ We offer a 12 year warranty based
on minimum performance that
we expect from our product.
Results from independent tests
offer a far longer projected life
span with 12 years being the most
conservative estimate.
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REFERENCES
American Galvanizers Association 2013, Sacrificial Anodes, accessed 13th September 2013, http://www.galvanizeit.org/corrosion/
corrosion-protection/sacrificial-anodes/.
Anzor 2013, Galvanic Corrosion: keep those metals apart, 12 Febrary 2013, accessed 11 September 2013, <http://www.anzor.com.
au/blog/galvanic-corrosion-keep-those-metals-apart/>.
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006, How many people live in Australia’s coastal areas?, accessed 22 April 2013, <http://www.abs.gov.
au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/0ec9360424ea347eca256dea00053a70?OpenDocument>.
BlueScope Steel 2003a, Corrosion, General Introduction, Technical Bulletin CTB-1, 3 November, accessed 31 July 2013, <http://
steelproducts.BlueScopesteel.com.au/files/CTB-1.pdf>.
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COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® steels are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited.
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CORROSION RESISTANCE + A Blue Mountain Mesh Information Guide +
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