Ember guards are fine-mesh gutter covers specifically engineered to prevent burning embers from entering your gutters during a bushfire event. They use apertures of 1.0–2.0mm — far smaller than standard leaf guard mesh (3–6mm) — to physically block even the smallest burning particles carried on wind ahead of a fire front.
Research consistently shows that up to 90% of home ignitions during bushfires are caused by ember attack — not direct flame contact. Dry leaf debris accumulated in gutters is the single most common ignition point. Ember guards eliminate both the entry point and the fuel source in one installation.
Australia's Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) system determines what ember protection standards apply to your property. Ember guards must meet the relevant BAL specification to be considered compliant:
Do ember guards also work as leaf guards?
Yes — ember guards' fine mesh (1.0–2.0mm) blocks all debris that standard leaf guards stop, and more. They're a complete combined solution for any bushfire-prone property.
How do I find my property's BAL rating?
BAL ratings appear in your Development Approval documents (if built after 2010). You can also use your local council's bushfire prone land map or the NSW RFS mapping tool. We can estimate your likely BAL zone during a free on-site assessment.
Are ember guards required by law?
For new builds in BAL zones, ember-rated gutter protection may be required under the National Construction Code and AS 3959. For existing homes, they're not legally mandatory but are strongly recommended by the NSW RFS and home insurers for properties in bushfire prone land.
Will my insurer recognise ember guard installation?
Some home insurers offer premium discounts or increased coverage for homes with ember guard installed. Contact your insurer directly — and we can provide installation documentation to support your claim.