Skip to content
Gutter Guard Direct Integrated Mesh System
September 1, 2025 Simon Aldridge

Are Bunnings Gutter Guards Worth It? A Complete Review

1. Introduction

When it comes to home maintenance, gutters are rarely at the top of anyone’s list. Yet, they play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. Unprotected gutters quickly fill with leaves, twigs, and roof debris, which leads to blockages, overflowing water, and costly repairs to fascia boards, walls, and even foundations.

This is where gutter guards come in. By covering or lining the gutter, these products help keep out debris while still allowing rainwater to flow freely. The result is fewer cleans, less climbing up ladders, and greater peace of mind—especially in storm or bushfire season.

Bunnings is the go-to hardware store for many Aussie homeowners, and they stock a wide range of gutter guard solutions. But how do these products stack up? Are they reliable long-term, or more of a quick fix?

In this guide, we’ll explore the types of gutter guards you can buy at Bunnings, break down their pros and cons, and compare them with premium alternatives like the Gutter Guard Direct Integrated Mesh System.

Gutter Guard Direct Integrated Mesh System


2. Types of Gutter Guards at Bunnings

Bunnings stocks several categories of gutter guards, each with different designs, materials, and price points. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll find:

Foam Inserts

  • Made from UV-stabilised foam cut into strips that slot inside the gutter.

  • Designed to let water through while blocking leaves on top.

  • Very affordable (~$10 per metre).

  • Extremely easy to DIY install—just push them into place.

  • Downsides: not long-lasting, seeds can sprout inside, and foam can deteriorate in harsh sun.

Brush (Bristle) Guards

  • Long, bottle-brush style cylinders that sit inside gutters.

  • Water flows around the bristles while larger leaves sit on top.

  • Mid-range cost, usually ~$15–20 per metre.

  • Fire-retardant versions are available.

  • Downsides: fine debris can still pass through, and the brushes themselves trap gunk that needs cleaning out.

StayMesh / Plastic Mesh Guards

  • Sold in pre-formed strips (around 1 metre in length).Made of UV-stabilised plastic and designed for tool-free installation.

  • More effective at blocking medium debris like gum leaves.

  • Moderate price (~$20–30 per metre).

  • Downsides: shorter lifespan than metal mesh, prone to warping under UV exposure.

Metal Mesh Guards (e.g., GumLeaf, Colorbond, Corrugated)

  • Made from aluminium, steel, or Colorbond-coated materials.

  • Available in various profiles to suit different roof types.

  • Provide good debris exclusion, durability, and are suitable for bushfire areas.

  • Higher upfront cost (~$30–60 per metre).

  • Require proper fastening and sometimes professional installation.

Fire-Retardant Variants

  • Several foam, plastic, and metal products at Bunnings are fire-rated.

This is particularly important for homes in bushfire-prone regions, where gutter guards must comply with AS3959-2018 ember guard standards.

 

3. Bunnings Gutter Guard Product Line-Up

Here are some typical Bunnings products you’ll come across:

  • Foam Inserts – Generic UV-stabilised foam strips.

  • Jack 110 mm Bristle Guard – A brush guard option that claims easy installation.

  • Jack StayMesh Plastic Ultra – A plastic mesh strip guard, quick to install.

  • GumLeaf Metal Mesh – A premium option with corrugated or flat profiles in Colorbond finishes.

Each of these products has a different level of DIY-friendliness, lifespan, and cost.

 

4. Benefits & Drawbacks Overview Table


Pros and Cons of Bunnings Gutter Guard Systems

5. Detailed Product Breakdown

Foam Inserts

Foam guards are the cheapest and easiest option. They’re lightweight, fire-retardant, and cut to size easily. However, their lifespan is limited. The foam tends to break down under harsh sun, and seeds can sprout directly inside the foam, making them counterproductive in the long run.

Verdict: Great short-term solution, not ideal for permanent protection.

Brush / Bristle Guards

Brush guards are slightly more durable than foam, with some fire-resistant versions available at Bunnings. Installation is simple—just place them in the gutter. However, they trap fine debris within their bristles, meaning you’ll still need to clean them regularly.

Verdict: Low-maintenance illusion—still requires frequent cleaning.

StayMesh / Plastic Mesh

Plastic mesh is a popular DIY choice. It’s affordable, easy to clip in, and UV-stabilised. The main issue is durability: plastic becomes brittle over time, especially under Australian sun.

Verdict: Good value for money in the short term but not a forever solution.

Fixed Metal Mesh & GumLeaf Guards

Bunnings’ GumLeaf range is its most durable offering. Made from powder-coated steel or aluminium, these guards withstand tough conditions. They are effective at keeping out leaves and larger debris, and some are suitable for bushfire zones. However, they cost more and may need professional installation.

Verdict: The best option available at Bunnings for long-term durability.

6. Maintenance & Installation Tips

Even with gutter guards, some maintenance is required:

  • Inspect gutters twice a year (before storm season and summer).

  • Remove any buildup on top of the guards.

  • For foam and brush systems, check inside the gutters for hidden blockages.

For metal mesh systems, hose down the surface occasionally to clear fine dust or ash.

Bunnings Gutter Guard Systems Comparison Table

8. Alternative: Gutter Guard Direct Mesh System

While Bunnings offers affordable entry-level solutions, homeowners wanting long-term reliability often look beyond the hardware store.

The Gutter Guard Direct Mesh System is a premium option designed for permanent protection. Unlike inserts or brushes, this system forms a continuous sloped barrier —extending the roof pitch over the gutter to create a "ski-slope" that naturally sheds leaves and debris.

Key benefits include:

Integrated Mesh System by Gutter Guard Direct

Comparing Bunnings Gutter Guards with Gutter Guard Direct

9. Conclusion & Recommendation

So—are Bunnings gutter guards worth it?

  • Best for budget DIYers: Foam inserts or StayMesh plastic guards. Easy to install, low upfront cost, but expect to replace them every few years.

  • Best for durability at Bunnings: GumLeaf or other metal mesh guards. They cost more but offer reliable long-term protection.

  • Best overall solution: Gutter Guard Direct’s Integrated Mesh System. With its aluminium construction, ember guard compliance, and 20-year warranty, it’s the premium option for homeowners who want a set-and-forget solution.

In short, Bunnings gutter guards are a good entry point, but for those who value long-term peace of mind—especially in stormy or bushfire-prone parts of Australia—investing in a professional-grade system like Gutter Guard Direct is well worth it.

Previous article How to Clean Gutters in Australia: How Often and the Best Ways to Maintain Them
Next article How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost in Australia?
Shop collection

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions below.

Bunnings offers several styles, including foam inserts, brush/bristle guards, plastic mesh (StayMesh), fixed metal mesh (e.g. GumLeaf, Colorbond), and fire‐retardant variants. Each type varies in cost, durability, ease of installation, and effectiveness at keeping out different debris.

Some products sold by Bunnings are fire‐retardant and may comply with certain bushfire or ember guard standards. However, not all are certified, especially depending on the hole/aperture size, materials, and installation method. It’s crucial to check for compliance with local bushfire regulations (for example, AS3959 in Australia) when in high risk zones.

The lifespan depends on the type. Foam and plastic mesh guards tend to degrade faster under strong sun and may need replacing every few years. Metal mesh and premium Colorbond options are more durable. Regular maintenance (e.g. twice a year) is still needed: clearing debris from the top of guards, ensuring water flow isn't impeded, flushing downpipes, etc.

Cheaper DIY options have lower upfront cost, are easier to install yourself, and can be good short-term solutions. However, they often require more frequent maintenance, have shorter lifespans, and may not perform well in extreme weather or bushfire conditions. Higher end systems tend to offer better materials, stronger durability, compliance with stricter standards (ember guard, etc.), and may deliver better long-term value despite the higher cost.

It depends on your comfort level, roof type, and how complicated the guard is to fit. Some Bunnings options are fairly easy for a DIYer to put in (like foam inserts or simple mesh), but for the more durable metal mesh systems, Colorbond-style sheets, or when compliance standards are needed (e.g. ember guard in bushfire areas), professional installation may be safer and more reliable. Professionals can ensure correct sealing, secure attachment, and certificate compliance where required.