The integral part to the whole fireproofing process is applying a gutter mesh with the aperture hole that matches the size of the leaves and other vegetation in the surroundings. Any incompatibility would result in severe flaws in the protection mechanism with the leaves landing in the gutter space, thus providing a source for any potential fire.
As leaves come in all the sizes, the gutter mesh has to follow the pattern with a variety in sizes to match the different vegetation shapes. A crucial aspect would be having significant knowledge of the plantation in Australia, which would assist with fireproofing with a gutter mesh.
Needle-Like Leaves
Needle like leaves have variable lengths but it is their sharp widths that pose the real threat by evading the gutter mesh defences. Normally, an aperture hole of width 2mm and 3.5mm would pass the test with most of the needle leaves.
Common needle-like vegetation found in Australia is:
Pinus/Conifers, popular with the name of Pine tree is an evergreen tree species found in the country. It has a height of 3m, but the problem it poses with the gutter mesh is with its leaves, seeds, and flowers.
Bottlebrush, commonly referred to as Callistemon in the botanical community, is a 4-7m high evergreen tree. Its leaves, flowers, and seeds can seriously test your gutter mesh defences.
Acacia, commonly known as Wattle, is an evergreen tree species. This 4-5m high plantation can produce problems with its leaves, flowers, and seeds.
Sheoak is an evergreen tree standing at a generous height of 8-18m. Its botanical name of Allocasuarina/Casuarina is not the only problem as it causes fireproofing issues with its leaflets, flowers and seeds.
Melaleuca quinquenervia is an evergreen tree standing at a prominent height of 5-12m. Commonly known as Paperbark, its leaflets, seeds, and flowers are a common threat to the gutter mesh systems.
Heath banksia or Banksia ericifolia is a 5m high evergreen species. Its leaves and flowers stamen can produce problems for the gutter mesh systems.
Small Tree Leaves
A 2mm aperture gutter mesh is ideal for the small tree leaves that can grow to 50mm in length and 2mm to 20mm in width. Such a width can provide protection against these small leaves from entering the gutter and thus providing fire proof element.
Poinciana or Poinciana delonix regia is a deciduous tree species with a 12m tree height. Its flowers, stamens and leaflets are the main problems to the gutter mesh.
Koelreuteria paniculata or the golden rain tree is a deciduous tree species. It has a tree height of 7m and poses problems to the fire proof mesh system with its flowers and leaves.
Black peppermint/Peppermint willow is a common evergreen tree species found in Australia. Going with the botanical name of Eucalyptus nicholii, this 15m high tree is a problem to the gutter meshes with its leaves and flower stamens.
Ficus obliqua or small leafed figs is an evergreen, 10-30 m high tree. Its leaves and berries can provide the flammable component for gutter mesh systems.
Hairpin banksia or Banksia spinulosa is an evergreen tree common to the Australian terrain. It can grow at least 3m and pose problems to the gutter mesh with its leaves and flower stamens.
Leptospermum, commonly known as Teatree is an evergreen tree. Standing at a minimum height of 3m, it can cause problems with its leaves and flower stamens.
Jacaranda or Jacaranda mimosifolia is a deciduous tree species with a 15m+ tree height. Its flowers, seeds, and leaves are the main problems to the gutter mesh.
Tipuana tipu or Rosewood is another deciduous tree species. It has a generous tree height of 30m and can pose problems to the fire proof mesh systems with its flowers and leaves.
Orange jessamine is an evergreen tree species found in Australia. Going with the botanical name of Murraya paniculata, this 3m+ high vegetation is a problem to the gutter meshes with its leaves and flower.
Cassia fistula or Golden shower tree is an evergreen, 5m+ high tree. Its leaves and flowers can provide flammable component to the gutter mesh systems.
Paperbark or Melaleuca leucadendron is an evergreen tree common to the Australian landscape. It can grow at least 10m and can pose problems to the gutter mesh with its leaves and flowers.
Ficus benjamina, commonly known as Benjamin fig is an evergreen tree. Standing at a minimum height of 20m, it can cause problems with its leaves and seeds.
Medium Sized Leaves
Medium sozed leaves can grow from 20mm to 50 mm in width and from 50mm to 120mm in length. A gutter mesh with an aperture size of 2mm to 4mm can do the trick for medium sized leaves.
Some common Australian vegetation with medium sized leaves is as follows:
