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STORM DAMAGE PROTECTION + A Blue Mountain Mesh Information Guide + + 2013
How to protect
your home during
storm season
SUMMER’S COMING AND
SO IS THE WILD WEATHER + Overflowing gutters are one
of the four most common
It seems every summer we see the devastating impacts of storms, floods, bushfires reasons for water entering
and cyclones on our communities – threatening lives, damaging property and homes during storms and
disrupting public services. The most common of these are severe storms and high high rainfall events.
rainfall events, which hit more frequently than any other natural hazard in Australia.
While September to March is commonly known as ‘storm season’ – storms and high + Blocked gutters can lead
rainfall events actually hit different parts of Australia all year round. When these high to flooding, causing
rainfall events occur poorly maintained gutters can be quickly overloaded. This means extensive damage to roof
that all year round Aussie homeowners need to be prepared for the wild weather –
and ceiling areas, walls
and potential threat to property – that severe storms and high rainfall events bring.
and floors, and destroying
Overflowing gutters are one of the four most common reasons for water
precious home contents.
entering homes during storms. Yet much of this damage can be avoided, along
with the expensive insurance claims, clean up and heartache that goes with it.
+ Long term, this damage
This paper will look at: can undermine structural
+
The widespread impact of storms on our communities. foundations or cause
+
The risk to people and property through poorly maintained gutters. serious health problems as
a result of damp and mould.
+
How gutter protection works to minimise the risk to homes.
+
Why Blue Mountain Mesh provides superior protection to other gutter guards. + Over-the-gutter gutter
protection helps minimse
the risk of flooding by
forming a physical barrier to
prevent leaves and debris
from entering gutters.
+ It only takes one leaf too
many to clog a gutter and
cause you serious problems;
don’t let one leaf end up
costing you thousands
in damage to your most
important asset, your home.
Photo : REXNESS, Feb 2011
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STORM DAMAGE PROTECTION + A Blue Mountain Mesh Information Guide + + 2013
THE REAL LIFE STORIES BEHIND THE STATISTICS
In 2008, NRMA Insurance received 48,000 storm-related claims, with overflowing gutters cited as one of the four most common
reasons for water entering homes (SMH 2009).
CASE STUDY
BAY AND BASIN BEARS THE BRUNT OF STORM
PARTS of Sanctuary Point resembled a winter wonderland after Friday’s
early morning storm... While it may have been fun for children ... for some
residents the hail that blanketed the area proved to be a nightmare.
Colin and Tina King, of Beaver Avenue, Sanctuary Point woke to water
running out of light sockets, flooding carpets.
“Tina got up about 3.30 and turned on the light and blew the fuse,”
Mr King said. “That’s when we discovered the water was pouring in
through the light fittings, wetting the carpets,” he said.
“All the hail the area experienced built up and blocked the gutters and the Despite having their home inundated by
ensuing rain backed up and then inundated the house. It was bucketing floodwater and from overflowing gutters,
down. The rain was even coming in through the fan in the shower.” boys will be boys and the Kings, father
Colin and sons Steven and Alex enjoyed an
(South Coast Register 2012) impromptu snow fight with the hail.
Photo: SEAN McALEER
The problem experienced by the King 1 3
family is not uncommon, according to
experienced roofer, Geoff Finegan, who
owns Queensland roofing company
Hats4Houses.
“I come across various homes where
either leaf litter or hail damage has
caused water to back up into the valleys
of the roof and cause flooding.
“The gutters are blocked so the water
has nowhere to go. It gets under the
roof sheets and into the ceiling cavity.
2
It’s a real headache for people and
can be very expensive if you have to
replace everything.”
ccording to Geoff, installing a gutter
A
guard would stop a large percentage
of this problem occurring.
“You can’t say it will never happen, but
it would certainly stop the problem in
most cases and alleviate the stress
and expense for a lot of people.”
Geoff Finegan – Hats4Houses Photo : 1. BART EVERSON, Jul 2006; 2. NEWTOWN GRAFFITI, Oct 2012; 3. THE INSURANCE
INSTITUTE FOR BUSINESS & HOME SAFETY (IBHS) RESEARCH CENTRE, Feb 2013
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STORM DAMAGE PROTECTION + A Blue Mountain Mesh Information Guide + + 2013
SUMMER OR Darwin
WINTER: YOU NEED
TO BE PREPARED
Thousands of families will bear the
brunt of severe and damaging storms
and high rainfall events in Australia this
year. Severe storms can strike anywhere
in Australia, producing intense rain,
storm tides, thunder and lightning,
hail, tornadoes, damaging winds and Brisbane
flash floods.
QLD, NSW, the ACT and Victoria are hit Perth
by literally thousands of storms each
Sydney
year – with more than 100 producing Adelaide
Canberra
damaging hailstones, severe wind gusts
and flash flooding. But the effects are Melbourne
not isolated to where the storms occur. Summer Dominant Winter
Marked wet summer and dry winter Wet winter and low summer rainfall
Tropical cyclones in North Queensland Summer Winter Dominant
Wet summer and low winter rainfall Marked wet winter and dry summer
cause damage over large areas, as Hobart
Uniform Arid
damaging wind, rain and large waves Uniform rainfall Low rainfall
work their way south along the coast
as far as southern NSW (BOM n.d.). Major seasonal rainfall zones of Australia (BOM).
The peak seasonal rainfall periods
across Australia can be split into four
Summer : Northern Australia & Eastern Uniform / All Year :
main groups, which means storms are
Australia to Newcastle in the south New South Wales mostly
likely to strike the following areas at
different times of year: Winter : Southern Australia Arid : Central Australia
COUNTING THE COSTS OF
SEVERE STORMS IN AUSTRALIA
Storm damage is a particularly significant issue for the insurance industry, with payouts
for storm damage topping the list ahead of cyclones, earthquakes, floods or bushfires “With some
(source: ABS); and also for authorities tasked with restoring lives and communities in
the aftermath of such events.
(individual) claims …
Natural hazards in Australia cost an average of $1.14 billion annually (ABS 2010), but
costing on average
the cost of a single, massive storm event can be much higher. A severe storm in the over $110,000,
Newcastle and Hunter Valley region of NSW in 2007 topped the damage bill for that
year at $1.48 billion, while separate storms in Perth and Melbourne in 2010 followed it just shows the
close behind at $1.05 billion damage each. More recently, inundation and storms frightening level of
across Queensland and Northern NSW in January 2013 totaled $1.09 billion
in damage (Insurance Council of Australia 2013). damage that can be
In revealing its list of the top ten storm-battered Queensland suburbs, Suncorp caused by a severe
Insurance highlighted the severity of storms and the impact on lives: “With some storm or flooding.”
claims in Western Queensland costing on average over $110,000, it just shows the
frightening level of damage that can be caused by a severe storm or flooding.” Suncorp Insurance
(Suncorp Insurance n.d)
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SNAPSHOT: INSURANCE CLAIMS FROM
MAJOR STORMS AND CYCLONES 2011-2013
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald sweeps down the Queensland and NSW coasts prompting $843 million in
damage claims. Bundaberg, Ipswich, Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Northern Rivers NSW
January 2013
and Sydney are among a long list of victims as heavy rain, widespread flooding and damaging winds
wreak havoc over thousands of kilometres.
Storms hit Brisbane without warning, causing widespread damage. The storm hits almost four years to
November 2012 the day after an enormous storm hit Brisbane’s western suburbs, including The Gap, destroying homes
and infrastructure, worth $300 million in claims.
Severe storms, hail and a mini tornado rips through Melbourne, spoiling Christmas Day for thousands
December 2011
of families and emergency workers, and leading to $730 million in claims.
Tropical cyclone Yasi, one of the most powerful cyclones to have affected Queensland since records
February 2011 began, slams the Far North Queensland coast. The system was the size of the US and effects were
felt up to 2,000 km away, resulting in a $1.4 billion insurance bill.
(Insurance Council of Australia 2013)
HOW YOUR WHAT CAUSES A
GUTTERS PROTECT BLOCKED GUTTER?
YOUR HOME Every year, fallen leaves, branches, dirt
and debris gets washed off the roof
Gutters may not be very glamourous –
into our gutters. This can build up at an
but they are actually one of the unsung
alarming rate and can cause damage to
heroes of your home. We tend to spend
the guttering itself or to your property.
a lot of time and money choosing other
Guttering also tends to be a haven for
internal fixtures and fittings, when
pests, including birds, possums and
our gutters form a vital part of home
insects, who use your gutter as their
construction and do an important job
home and breeding ground. The wetter
of protecting what lies inside.
the climate, the more likely it is that
The main function of a gutter is to moss and other build up will occur.
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,
A gutter collects the
seep into cracks and get inside, causing storm water that
extensive flood and moisture damage.
Futhermore, water can collect next to lands on your roof;
the foundations of your home, which and directs it away
can cause serious structural damage.
A gutter does a good job of removing
from your house
this water, so long as it is properly into a drainage or
maintained. Blockages are common and
gutters require ongoing maintenance storage system.
to ensure they can function properly.
Photo : BILL BROWN, AUSSIE SHIELD, Sep 2010
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STORM DAMAGE PROTECTION + A Blue Mountain Mesh Information Guide + + 2013
1 4 5
What’s lurking in your gutter?
+ Grass and plants growing in gutters
and stopping water flow
+ Moss build up
2 6
+ Gutter blocked with leaves and debris
+ Pests including possums and birds making nests
Sometimes you can’t see the problem from the
ground; and you won’t always notice the overflow
3
until damage is done.
Photo : 1. NEIL CHAMPION, Nov 2010; 2. BRIAN SNELSON, Jul 2006;
3. 500PX, Nov 2011; 4. JAMES GATHANY, CDC, Feb 2006; 5. TED
GARVIN, Dec 2007; 6. TEMPORALATA, Nov 2010.
Photo : ERIC SCHMUTTENMAER, May 2008
WHY IS IT A PROBLEM IF YOUR GUTTERS
BECOME BLOCKED?
Blocked gutters and downpipes lead to the overflow of gutters during and following
heavy rain and storms. This can lead to flooding, with water entering the house by
overflowing over the back of the gutter into eaves and ceiling cavities, overflowing onto
verandas, terraces and stair slabs and flowing into the downstairs rooms or causing
drainage problems for the homeowner and adjacent properties.
One of the big issues is that you probably won’t know you’ve got a blockage until it’s
too late, as the signs can be hard to spot from the ground. Typically, flooding occurs
in the middle of a storm or heavy rain, so you might find yourself struggling to clear
blocked gutters in wet and dangerous conditions. Flooding also has the potential
to be very expensive and extremely inconvenient to fix.
Aside from potential damage to your home, there are other important reasons
you should invest in your gutters.
Top 5 eyesores affecting
PROTECTING THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME
property values are:
Damage from overflowing gutters can be expensive to fix, there can also be significant
+B
roken or boarded up
impact on the value of your home if yours or any of the houses in your street has
overflowing gutters.
windows
A study by the UK’s Churchill Home Insurance found that 98% of estate agents +R
ubbish or junk in the
said that an unsightly or poorly maintained neighbouring property has a negative impact front garden or drive
on the price potential buyers will pay for a home (Churchill 2013). So it pays to keep an
+ Overflowing gutters
eye on your own gutters – as well as those on your neighbours’ homes – to protect the
value of your home. +U
nsightly or imposing
By comparison, the investment required to protect your home with a more long extensions and DIY
term option like a steel gutter guard (on the average Australian home) is between +R
un down vehicles in
$1500-$2,000 fully installed. This could pay for itself several times over when the time
the front drive
comes to sell your house through improved valuations and by eliminating potential
issues with building and pest inspections. (Churchill Insurance 2013)
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Photo : JAMES GATHANY, CDC, Feb 2006
LOOKING AFTER YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
Gutters that aren’t functioning properly can also affect your family’s health. Leaks in
ceilings and walls can lead to extra moisture in the home, which in turn encourages
mould and mildew to grow, which can cause irritation in some people, and more severe
health problems in others. Infants, children, pregnant women, individuals with existing
respiratory problems and the elderly are all at greater risk. The best way to avoid these
problems is to take precautions to eliminate the growing conditions that would lead
to mould appearing in the first place – keeping your home dry and damp-free.
COMMON DRAINAGE PROBLEMS
ASSOCIATED WITH CLOGGED GUTTERS
Keeping your gutters cleared of blockages and running smoothly is very important.
If your gutters get blocked, then the water that drains from your roof cannot drain
through the gutters, and must find an exit. This is normally done by overflowing and
coming over the side of the gutter, then running down your wall.
If the water can’t escape it will pool in the gutter creating a breeding ground for
mosquitoes – the insect responsible for more deaths than any other animal on the
planet. In Australia, mosquitoes pose a significant problem due to the diseases they Mosquitoes are
can harbour and transmit to humans through bites. The most effective way to reduce responsible for more
the risk of mosquito-borne transmission is to prevent or reduce mosquito breeding deaths than any other
(Queensland Government 2010). Keeping household gutters clear of moist leaves insect or animal on the
and debris and pooled water an important factor in reducing mosquito breeding planet. Gutter guards can
habitats around the home.
help eliminate dangerous
Many problems are caused by clogged gutters, which can eventually lower the value breeding grounds around
of your property or result in extremely expensive repairs. the home.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Defects in your guttering can create a domino effect, paving the way for more serious
structural damage around your home. If you’ve noticed any of the following problems
at your house, it might be a good idea to clean, repair or replace your clogged gutters.
If you are thinking of fixing your gutters, you might also want to look out for any holes,
or cracks that could be leaking water.
Damp and mould
Water running down the outside of your house can cause mould to grow inside and out.
This is both unsightly and produces mould spores, which smell terrible and can cause
breathing difficulties. Water can penetrate through the wall and cause damage to paint
and wallpaper. This can go unnoticed if hidden behind furniture.
Leaky roofs and saggy ceilings
Clogged gutters can result in water that stands for hours, or longer, blocking the flow
Black mould growing on the outside of water from the roof. This can leak into ceiling cavities and cause ceilings to sag and
of a house. Photo: KRISTOPHA HOHN, May 2009 eventually collapse, ruining internal decoration and your home’s contents.
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Splash back damage
Water that spills or leaks from a blocked gutter onto the ground can cause water to
splash back and damage your property. The affected area can suffer from penetrating
damp, peeling paintwork, wood rot and unsightly cosmetic damage.
Sagging driveways
Just as large roots can lift the concrete blocks of your driveway into the air, clogged
gutters can result in pooling water that breaks down the concrete from the top.
This might cause sagging driveways or even large cracks to appear.
Damage caused by water ‘splash back’
Brickwork and pointing damage
against home. Photo: NEWTOWN GRAFFITI, Aug 2011
An overflowing gutter can result in water pouring down the wall, causing damage to
brickwork and pointing, penetrating damp and damage to wall ties. Moss growing on
the wet walls adds to the problem by retaining water and not letting the walls dry out.
Rotting wood
Clogged gutters can also rot wood fascia. When the water builds up and stands
stagnant for even just a few hours, the wood will start to break down and decompose,
causing serious problems.
Cracks in the foundation
Blocked gutters can force water downwards directly onto the foundation wall,
Damp areas can cause moss to grow, which can lead to major cracking, mould growth and rot along the surrounding fascia.
adding to water retention. Photo: WENDY MANN, Wet areas around the footings can cause the soil to swell and shrink, increasing the
Dec 2005 risk of termite attack and movement.
Ruined landscaping
Expensive landscaping can be destroyed in hours by clogged gutters as the water exits
the gutters with sufficient force to dig holes in your flower beds and gardens, resulting
in over-watered plants and unsightly dips in the topography of your yard.
Insects
Removing moisture and debris from your gutters is one of the most effective steps
you can take to keep your home insect-free, along with twigs, leaves, and other
materials that pests love to use as both shelter and a food source.
Termites can be attracted to your home due
to clogged and leaking gutters. Photo: ALTON,
May 2007
“Damaged or blocked gutters and downpipes
provide a source of penetrating moisture... (these)
typically concentrate large quantities of moisture
in one area, resulting in ... localised damage
externally and potential for damage internally.”
(National Building Specification 2011)
Water around the foundations causes cracks
and other damage. Photo: WAYNE TRUONG, 2007
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WHY SHOULD HOW GUTTER
YOU INVEST IN PROTECTION WORKS
YOUR GUTTERS? A gutter guard (also known as gutter mesh) provides a long term solution to solve this
problem by preventing debris from entering the gutter in the first place. There are
Experts generally recommend that you
various types of gutter protection systems on the market today.
clean your gutters at least once every
three months; and more frequently if Over-the-gutter systems that form a physical barrier to prevent leaves and debris
leafy trees hang over your roof. This takes from entering gutters offer a long term solution to minimise the risk of gutters
time and can be expensive if you need to flooding. Typically constructed using either steel or aluminium mesh, this form of
pay someone else to do this job for you gutter protection ensures year round low-maintenance protection that keeps gutters
(see Blue Mountain Mesh Information from getting blocked, preventing flooding of eaves, ceiling and wall cavities; and extra
Guide Issue - Household Savings). If you protection from hail and flooding rains during storms.
do it yourself, there are many associated
risks of working with ladders (see Blue The ski-slope design of over-the-gutter gutter protection systems ensures that leaves
Mountain Mesh Information Guide Issue - and debris are blown off the roof through wind action whilst water is drawn through the
Avoid The Risk of Falls). mesh guard into the gutter. This form of gutter protection is highly superior to other
in-gutter systems (e.g. gutter coils, foam or brushes) which don’t stop debris from
With blocked gutters contributing to so entering the gutter and can lead to a myriad of other problems (clogging, dislodging and
many costly repairs and building risks
risk of falls from DIY installation and need for more regular cleaning and maintenance).
for your home, property owners need a
simple, less risky and less time intensive Homeowners who have installed gutter protection say that the guard prevents gutters
solution to help them keep their gutters from becoming blocked and they have peace of mind knowing they are protected from
clear of debris. the risks of property damage, and more serious personal threats, at any time of year
but particularly during storms.
Gutter guard fixes to the
roof. The angle enables
leaves to blow off the
roof through wind action
Gutter guard forms
physical barrier to
prevent leaves & debris
entering gutter
Water is drawn through
the gutter guard into the
gutter
Diagram of ski-slope / over the gutter design.
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OTHER BENEFITS HOW TO CHOOSE What questions you should ask yourself
when determining the right type of
OF GUTTER THE RIGHT gutter guard for your home :
PROTECTION GUTTER GUARD +
What issue is driving your need to
consider putting a gutter guard on
A gutter filled with leaves and What should you consider when your gutters:
debris is also a dangerous choosing a gutter guard for your home? –H
ave your gutters become blocked
source of fuel for fires, These tips may help: with debris by leaves from trees in
particularly if you live in a leafy +
Ensure the gutter guard will be yours or your neighbours yard?
suburb or in a bush land area. securely fixed to the roof and gutter Is there a specific tree or trees
Research has shown that the +
Choose an over-gutter rather than causing the debris in your gutters?
main cause of house fire during in-gutter system with ski-slope design ow far are the trees from your home?
H
a bushfire is from ember attack, so leaves and debris are blown off by Closer than 100mtrs?
where burning parts of trees the wind
(e.g. twigs, branches, leaves) –H
as your home been recently
+
Check the material used will be strong inundated by water over flowing
are carried by winds and lodge
enough to resist hail damage in areas from your blocked gutters?
in gutters, under doorways,
affected by heavy rain and storms.
roof spaces or windows and The strongest material to use is zinc
– Do you live in a bushfire prone area?
start internal fires. Over 85% dipped, corrosion resistant steel. re you wanting to minimise the risk to
A
of fires that destroy homes are your home during a bushfire incident?
started this way. Gutter guards +
Make sure the gutter guard is made
form part of strict construction from non-combustible material Are you looking for ember protection
standards for properties built (Australian Standard AS3959- or gutter protection for your gutters?
2009/2011 requirement for
in bushfire-prone areas in an –A
re you concerned about yourself or
construction in bushfire-prone areas).
attempt to mitigate the risk of your loved ones needing to get up a
ember attack and reduce the +
Ensure the guard you choose ladder every three months to clean
risks to people and property is corrosion resistant and the out the gutters of your home?
(see Blue Mountain Mesh manufacturer has a certificate to
–H
ave pests like possums, rats or
Information Guide Issue prove this.
other pests entered your roof cavity
“Bushfire Building Compliance”). +
Check the guard is suitable for use via your gutters?
Gutter guards are also very on your roof type and is available in a
– Are you looking to improve or have cleaner
effective at preventing birds, matching colour.
water quality in your rain water tank?
vermin and possums from
entering the roof space; while
eliminating mosquito breeding
grounds by ensuring water
doesn’t get trapped in the
gutter (see Blue Mountain
Mesh Information Guide
Issue “Pest Control”).
For homeowners using
rainwater tank systems, it also
improves water quality by
preventing leaves and debris
collecting and breaking down
in the gutter, and extends the
life of gutters by ensuring they
dry quickly after rain.
Gutter guard installed on corrugated roof.
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STORM DAMAGE PROTECTION + A Blue Mountain Mesh Information Guide + + 2013
IN SUMMARY
WHY CHOOSE
Storms and high rainfall events hit all parts of Australia at some time during the year.
The damage bill can easily run into the tens, if not hundreds, of thousands. The risk of
BLUE MOUNTAIN
flooding from overflowing gutters is alarmingly high – one of the four most common MESH?
reasons for water entering homes during storms – but it can so easily be avoided.
Gutter protection is a valuable investment to protect your home and your family. Blue Mountain All Steel Gutter
In the case of storms and heavy rain, installing adequate gutter protection can Mesh® is hot dipped galvanised,
significantly reduce the risk of flood damage by preventing blocked gutters in the zinc coated steel which provides
first place. It can also offer many other valuable health and safety benefits, giving a corrosion resistant layer.
you peace of mind around your home all year round. In all cases, remember:
Our zinc coated corrosion
Your gutters are an important part of your home and regular checks are recommended. resistant steel mesh is strong
Sometimes you can’t see the problem from the ground; and you won’t always notice and durable and will stand the
the overflow flooding from a blocked gutter until the damage is done. test of time.
Choose your gutter guard system wisely. Over-gutter systems made from hot dipped,
Our entire range is bushfire
zinc coated, oven-baked, corrosion-resistant, non-combustible steel offer the best
compliant and conforms to
protection from all environmental hazards – strong enough to withstand hailstorms
the Australian Standard for the
and compliant for building in bushfire-prone areas.
Construction of buildings in
Ensure your gutter guard is fitted by an accredited installer, and comes with a warranty bushfire-prone areas (AS3959-
from a trusted manufacturer. 2009) and the updated Australian
Standard for the ember guard
protection of sheet roofs
HOW CAN THE RH GROUP HELP? (AS3959-2009/Amdt 2011).
The RH Group is an Australian company driven to help every person and every Our unique steel profile ensures
community make the most of their environmental assets. our steel mesh gutter guard
lies perfectly flat and means
We design, manufacture and wholesale high quality and sustainable water, the finished product looks like a
environmental and trade products for Australian and international markets. seamless addition to your roof.
We work with governments, retailers, distributors and consumers all over the world
to find smarter, more innovative solutions to challenges created by our environment, Our mesh gutter guard fits
and in doing so, create more sustainable futures. all gutter profiles and can be
adapted for all roof types,
Our Blue Mountain Mesh advanced gutter protection system is designed to offer
custom made and available in a
homeowners protection from a range of environmental hazards, including flooding
during storms and ember attack during bushfire. choice of over 30 colours.
We offer a 12 year warranty
based on minimum
ABOUT BLUE MOUNTAIN MESH performance that we expect
from our product. Results from
Born out of fire. The inspiration behind Blue Mountain Mesh’s all-steel mesh gutter independent tests offer a
guard came from the most tragic circumstances: watching a man trying in vain to save far longer projected life span
his family home from a savage bushfire, fuelled by an abundance of leaves and debris with 12 years being the most
in the home’s gutters. conservative estimate.
Blue Mountain Mesh products prevent leaves and debris from entering gutters and
downpipes. The all steel, non-combustible mesh gutter guard 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 protect themselves and their
greatest assets. For more information on our all steel, custom-made gutter protection
products visit www.bluemountainmesh.com.au or call 1800 612 908.
bluemountainmesh.com.au 10STORM DAMAGE PROTECTION + A Blue Mountain Mesh Information Guide + + 2013
REFERENCES
Australian seasonal rainfall zones n.d., Bureau of Meteorology, accessed 1 September 2013,
.
About severe thunderstorms n.d., Bureau of Meteorology, accessed 23 April 2013,
.
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2010, Feature Article 3: Understanding Natural Hazard Impacts on Australia, accessed 22 April 2013,
.
Churchill Home Insurance 2013, Everybody needs good neighbours: They add £19,399 to the value of your property, accessed
1 September 2013, .
Crawford, R 2012, ‘Bay and Basin bears the brunt of storm’, South Coast Register, 15 October, accessed 1 September 2013,
.
Emergency Services and Safety 2013, Queensland Government, accessed 23 April 2013, .
Insurance Council of Australia 2013, Historical disaster statistics, accessed 1 August 2013, .
National Building Specification (NBS) 2011, Building pathology: moisture conditions within external masonry walls, accessed
1 September 2013, .
Queensland Government 2010, Queensland Joint Strategic Framework for Mosquito Management 2010 – 2015, accessed
21 August 2013, < http://www.health.qld.gov.au/mozziediseases/documents/joint_strat_fwk.pdf>.
Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) and NRMA Insurance 2013, accessed 23 April 2013, www.stormwise.com.au
Suncorp Insurance n.d, Suncorp Insurance reveals top ten storm-battered Queensland suburbs, accessed 1 August 2013,
.
Tropical Cyclones in Queensland n.d., Bureau of Meteorology, accessed 23 April 2013,
.
‘Warnings ignored on high-gutter menace’, Sydney Morning Herald, 2 February, accessed 1 September 2013,
.
Western Australian Department of Health 2013, Mould and condensation in your home, accessed 1 September 2013,
.
PO Box 3200, Newstead Qld 4006, Australia
Tel: +61 7 3248 9600 (TOLL FREE 1800 612 908)
Fax: +61 7 3041 3588
Email: info@bluemountainmesh.com.au
Web: www.bluemountainmesh.com.au
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