Which Gutter Guard Suits Your Roof Type: A Straightforward Guide

Gutter guard seems simple: mesh over gutter, no more leaves. But the part that trips people up is the roof edge. KLIP-LOK has tall flat ribs. TrimDek has trapezoidal ones. Corrugated has rounded waves. Tiles have none. Each needs a different clip and mesh width, and the wrong kit simply will not hold. 

That is why we stock Screen Tech profile-matched kits, where every clip is engineered for a specific roof shape. The best gutter guard for your home is the one that matches what is already up there. Here is how to pick the right gutter guard kit. 

Why the Guard Has to Match the Roof Profile, Not Just the Gutter 

Most homeowners think about gutter guard as a gutter product. It is not. The guard sits across the gutter opening and anchors to the roof edge, which means the shape of your roof sheeting or tile determines which clips and mesh widths will actually work. 

Here is what goes wrong when you use the wrong kit: 

• Gaps at the roof edge. If the clips do not match the profile ribs, the mesh lifts and leaves blow in underneath. 
• Poor water flow. A guard that does not sit flat across the gutter opening can pool water behind the mesh instead of letting it run through. 
• Wind damage. Without the right anchor points, gutter mesh can lift and peel back in strong gusts, which is a real concern in Melbourne’s storm season. 
• Wasted money. Buying a generic guard and then having to replace it with a profile-matched kit means paying twice. 

The solution is simple: identify your roof profile first, then buy the kit designed for it. 

Corrugated Metal Roofs: What to Fit 

Corrugated roofing (also called Custom Orb) is one of the most common profiles across Australian homes, particularly older builds and re-roofs. If you have Colorbond corrugated roofing sheets, here is what you need to know about gutter guard. 

Important: there is no dedicated corrugated roof kit in the current Screen Tech range. The rounded rib pattern of corrugated sheeting does not suit the same clip system used on TrimDek or KLIP-LOK profiles. 

What you can fit is the corrugated valley kit ($22.11), which protects the valley lines where two roof planes meet. For the roof edge and gutter line on a corrugated roof, we recommend calling our team on (03) 9394 1400 so we can walk you through the available options for your specific setup. You can also browse the full gutter guard category for other solutions such as the 30m solar screening kit, which can be adapted for corrugated eaves with the right fixing method. 

Corrugated valley kit includes: 

• Colour-matched aluminium gutter mesh 
• Trim and clips profiled for corrugated valleys 
• Screws for secure fixing 
• Available in all Colorbond colours 

KLIP-LOK Roofs: The 250mm Kit and How the Clips Sit on the Ribs 

KLIP-LOK is a concealed-fix metal roofing profile with raised, flat-topped ribs. Because the ribs are taller and flatter than corrugated, the gutter guard clips need to sit over those ribs rather than between them. 

The KLIP-LOK roof kit ($17.49) is designed specifically for this. Here is what is in it: 

• 250mm wide aluminium mesh that covers the gutter opening and reaches up the lower edge of the KLIP-LOK sheet 
• Profile-specific clips that grip over the KLIP-LOK ribs (these will not work on any other profile) 
• Trim to anchor the mesh into the gutter 
• Colour-matched screws for a clean finish 

Fitting tip: Work along the run from one end of the eave to the other. Clip the mesh over each rib, then check it sits flat across the gutter opening before tightening the screws. On long runs, butt the mesh sections together with a slight overlap at each join so there are no gaps where leaves or small birds can slip through. 

For the valleys, add the matching KLIP-LOK valley kit ($24.86). 

TrimDek Roofs: The Roof Kit and the Valley Kit 

TrimDek has trapezoidal ribs that are wider and squarer than corrugated but narrower than KLIP-LOK. This means it needs its own clip geometry. 

The TrimDek roof kit ($15.62) includes: 

• Aluminium gutter mesh sized to cover the gutter line on a TrimDek roof edge 
• TrimDek-specific clips that lock onto the trapezoidal ribs 
• Trim and colour-matched screws 
• Available in all Colorbond colours 

If your TrimDek roof has valleys (where two roof planes meet at an internal angle), you will also need the TrimDek valley kit ($24.86). The valley mesh is wider than the roof kit mesh because it needs to span the valley gutter and anchor to the sheeting on both sides. 

When to use both kits together: If your TrimDek roof has valleys and eaves (most do), order the roof kit for the eave line and the valley kit for each valley run. The two kits use the same mesh type but with different clips and widths, so they work together as a complete system. 

For more on how TrimDek compares to other profiles, see our blog on TrimDek vs Custom Orb vs Klip-Lok. 

Tiled Roofs: The 500mm Roof Kit and the 1000mm Valley Kit

Tiled roofs are fundamentally different from metal roofs when it comes to gutter guard. The guard does not clip onto ribs because there are no ribs. Instead, it tucks under the bottom row of tiles and anchors into the gutter. 

The tiled roof kit ($15.62) includes: 

• 500mm wide aluminium mesh that slides under the bottom tile course and covers the gutter opening 
• Trim to hold the mesh against the gutter lip 
• Clips and screws designed for a tile edge rather than a metal rib 

The tiled valley kit ($22.55) is a larger mesh: 

• 1000mm wide to span the full valley width under the tiles on both sides 
• Wider coverage is needed because tile valleys collect more debris than metal valleys, as the textured tile surface traps silt and organic matter 

Fitting tip for tiled roofs: Lift the bottom row of tiles carefully and slide the mesh underneath before lowering them back. Do not force the tiles because cracked tiles lead to leaks, which defeats the purpose of protecting the guttering system in the first place. 

If your tiled roof is due for maintenance, our blog on 7 gutter installation mistakes that cause leaks in the first storm covers common problems to avoid. 

Valleys: When a Valley Kit Is the Right Call and When It Is Not 

Valley kits protect the internal angle where two roof planes meet. This is where leaves, twigs and silt naturally accumulate because water flows from both sides into the valley gutter. 

Use a valley kit when: 

• Your roof has internal valleys (most hip and gable roofs do) 
• You notice leaf buildup or water pooling in the valley lines 
• You are fitting a roof edge kit and want complete coverage 

Think twice about a valley kit when: 

• Your valleys are very steep (above 25 degrees), as debris tends to wash off on its own 
• Heavy silt loads are present (fine mesh can clog with mud and sand in bushfire-prone or dusty areas, so you may need a coarser solution or more frequent cleaning) 
• The valley is short (under 1.5 metres), where the cost may not justify the benefit 

Valley kits use a finer mesh than roof edge kits because the debris load is heavier. This means they are excellent for leaf and twig protection but may require occasional hosing in areas with high dust or pollen. If you are in Melbourne’s western suburbs near construction zones or in regional Victoria with seasonal pollen, plan to hose the valley mesh once or twice a year. 

Matching the Guard Colour to the Roof and Gutter 

One of the advantages of the Screen Tech gutter guard kits we stock is that the mesh, clips, trim and screws are all available in Colorbond colour-matched finishes. This means your gutter guard does not have to be a visible eyesore along the roofline. 

Here is how to get the colour right: 

• Match the mesh and clip colour to your roof colour. If your roof is Monument, order the mesh and clips in Monument. This makes the guard nearly invisible from the street. 
• Match the trim and screw colour to your gutter colour. If your gutters and fascia are a different colour from the roof, match the trim to the gutter for a clean finish along the eave line. 
• Order mesh and trim colours separately. Each kit lets you choose the mesh/clip colour and the trim/screw colour independently, so you can match both the roof and the gutter in one order. 

For help choosing the right Colorbond shade, see our Colorbond colour chart hub page. Our blog comparing Colorbond gutters vs Zincalume gutters also covers how finish affects long-term appearance. 

Quick Reference: Which Kit Fits Your Roof 

• Corrugated (Custom Orb): No dedicated roof kit. Use the corrugated valley kit for valleys. Call (03) 9394 1400 for roof edge solutions. 
• KLIP-LOK: Roof kit (250mm mesh, $17.49) + valley kit ($24.86). 
• TrimDek: Roof kit ($15.62) + valley kit ($24.86). 
• Tiled: Roof kit (500mm mesh, $15.62) + valley kit (1000mm mesh, $22.55). 

FAQs: Gutter Guard by Roof Type 

What is the best gutter guard for a corrugated roof in Australia? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer because corrugated roofing does not currently have a dedicated roof edge kit in the Screen Tech range. The corrugated valley kit handles the valleys, and for the eaves, our team can advise on the right setup for your specific gutter and sheeting combination. Call (03) 9394 1400 for guidance. 

How much does gutter guard cost per metre? 

The Screen Tech profile-matched kits we carry start from $15.62 per kit for a TrimDek or tiled roof kit. Valley kits range from $22.11 to $24.86. The total gutter guard cost for your home depends on the length of your eave line and the number of valleys. 

Can I fit gutter guard myself, or do I need a professional? 

Many homeowners and handy tradies fit gutter guard as a DIY job. The Screen Tech kits include all the clips, trim and screws you need. However, if your roof is steep (above 25 degrees) or more than single storey, we recommend hiring a licensed roofer for safety. Always use appropriate fall protection when working at height. 

Will gutter guard stop possums and birds? 

Yes. The aluminium gutter mesh blocks the gap between the roof edge and the gutter, which is the main entry point for possums, birds and rodents. Once the mesh is properly clipped and screwed, there is no gap for wildlife to access your roof space. We also stock bird spike kits ($39.90 for a 10-pack) for ridge lines and exposed ledges. 

Do I need a gutter guard for the valleys as well as the roof edge? 

If your roof has internal valleys, yes. Valleys are where leaves and debris naturally collect because water flows from both sides. A valley kit protects this area and keeps water flowing to the downpipes without blockages. 

What Colorbond colours are the gutter guard kits available in? 

The Screen Tech kits are available in all 22+ standard Colorbond colours, including Monument, Basalt, Woodland Grey, Surfmist and the newer shades like Headland and Gully. You can choose the mesh colour and the trim colour independently to match your roof and gutter. 

How often should I clean gutter guard? 

In most Melbourne suburbs, an annual hose-down is enough. In heavily treed areas or near construction sites, check and hose the mesh twice a year, particularly after autumn leaf fall and before the winter rain season.