How do I install an aluminium or steel gutter guard? And is it ok for collecting drinking water?

[DwellTime]

We live in a bushfire prone area and need to fireproof our home as much as possible. We depend on rainwater collected from the roof as our drinking water etc. - galvanised gutter guards state they are not advisable for this.

Not sure what the extra bits shown in the pictures of the Blue Mountains metal gutter guards are used for.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @DwellTime. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about gutter guards.

I have confirmed directly with Blue Mountains Mesh that their gutter guard products are suitable for use on roofs collecting drinking water. Both the aluminium and the steel versions are compatible with potable water systems, which makes them appropriate for homes that rely on rainwater for household and drinking use. The warning you often see on some galvanised gutter guards generally relates to older or lower-grade products, not these systems.

The extra components shown in the photos are part of the fixing and transition system. One is a fixing plate that secures the mesh neatly to the gutter and fascia. The other is a profiled transition strip designed to match corrugated or trimdeck roofing. This piece is bonded to the roof sheeting so the mesh sits flush with the roof profile, creating a smooth transition that prevents ember entry and reduces debris build-up, which is particularly important in bushfire-prone areas.

Blue Mountains Mesh has detailed installation guides on their website that step through the correct installation process for each roof and gutter type. These guides clearly show how the additional components are used.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell