Installing gutter guard on a corrugated roof is a practical DIY project for capable users with a straightforward, safely accessible roof—but the fixing system needs to match the curved corrugated profile.
Leaf Stopper CORROGUARD® is designed specifically for compatible traditional curved corrugated metal roofs. It uses aluminium Mesh Shield across the gutter, Trimets at the compatible gutter edge and purpose-designed Corrofast Saddles to secure the mesh to the roof profile.
The result is an inclined mesh surface that helps reduce leaves, twigs and larger debris entering the gutter while allowing rainwater to pass through the mesh.
This guide explains the overall installation process, what to prepare beforehand, how to choose your Mesh Shield and which details should always be checked against the current Leaf Stopper installation instructions.
Key Takeaways
- CORROGUARD® is designed for compatible traditional curved corrugated metal roofs—not every metal roof profile.
- The system uses 250mm Mesh Shield, Trimets at compatible gutter edges and Corrofast Saddles on the corrugated roof profile.
- Mesh Shield needs to conform to the corrugations using the relief or expansion cuts shown in the current installation instructions.
- Do not invent your own saddle spacing, overlap distances or fixing pattern. Follow the current instructions supplied for the system.
- Standard, Premium and Fine Mesh are available for different strength, debris and bushfire requirements.
- Gutter guard reduces maintenance rather than eliminating it. Periodic inspection remains important.
First: Confirm You Have a Compatible Corrugated Roof
Before ordering anything, make sure CORROGUARD® is the correct Leaf Stopper system for your roof.
CORROGUARD® is designed for traditional curved corrugated metal roof profiles, including compatible corrugated roofing manufactured from COLORBOND® steel and similar materials.
COLORBOND® itself is not a roof profile. COLORBOND® steel is used to manufacture many different roof-sheet profiles.
If your roof has broad flat pans and pronounced ribs rather than traditional curved corrugations, you may require a different system such as DEK-762™ or DEKGUARD®.
Compare your roof with the profile information on the CORROGUARD® product page before ordering.
Why Corrugated Roofs Need Profile-Specific Components
A traditional corrugated roof continually rises and falls across the roof sheet.
Simply laying flat mesh against that geometry can leave areas where the mesh does not follow the roof correctly.
CORROGUARD® uses purpose-designed saddles to secure Mesh Shield to the compatible corrugated profile.
At the external gutter edge, interlocking Trimets secure the outer edge of the Mesh Shield.
This creates an inclined protective surface between the roof and gutter edge.
The slope can help dry leaves and debris move away under suitable wind conditions, but it should not be described as self-cleaning. Wet leaves, branches and compacted debris may still remain on the surface and require attention.
Tools and Preparation
Preparation matters just as much as the installation itself.
Before installing gutter guard:
- Remove existing leaves, sludge and debris from the gutter.
- Check downpipe entrances for existing blockages.
- Inspect gutters for corrosion, damage or leaking joins.
- Confirm the roof profile is compatible with CORROGUARD®.
- Measure gutter edges and roof valleys separately.
- Read the current installation instructions before making any cuts.
Typical Tools
Depending on the property and installation, typical tools include:
- Metal-cutting snips
- Suitable cordless drill
- Measuring tape
- Gloves
- Suitable personal protective equipment
- Appropriate access and height-safety equipment
A socket for the supplied hexagonal-head screws is included with CORROGUARD® kit purchases where specified in the current product information.
Working Safely at Height
Working around roof edges and ladders involves genuine fall risk.
Do not treat a particular height—such as two metres—as a universal line below which roof work becomes safe. Workplace construction rules also differ from the circumstances applying to someone performing maintenance on their own home.
Regardless of the legal classification applying to the work, consider:
- Building height
- Roof pitch
- Ladder position
- Ground stability
- Roof condition
- Weather
- Nearby electrical hazards
- Whether you can safely reach the complete gutter run
DIY installation may be appropriate for a capable person with a straightforward and safely accessible roof.
If the property is high, steep, complex or difficult to access, use the Leaf Stopper Find an Installer service instead.
Choose the Right Mesh Shield
CORROGUARD® can be configured with different Leaf Stopper Mesh Shield options depending on the type of debris surrounding the property and your project requirements.
Standard Mesh
- Aperture: 3.5mm × 3.5mm
- Thickness: 0.55mm aluminium
- Best suited to: General leaves, twigs and larger debris
- Material: Non-combustible aluminium
Premium Mesh
- Aperture: 3.5mm × 3.5mm
- Thickness: 0.80mm aluminium
- Difference: Approximately 46% thicker than Standard Mesh
- Best suited to: Applications where a thicker, stronger mesh is preferred
Premium Mesh has the same aperture as Standard Mesh. It is thicker, not finer.
Fine Mesh
- Aperture: 1.8mm × 1.8mm woven mesh
- Thickness: 0.40mm aluminium
- Best suited to: Pine needles, fine seeds and smaller leaf matter
- Material: Non-combustible aluminium
- Bushfire applications: Leaf Stopper's BAL-rated Mesh Shield option where applicable
If you're selecting Fine Mesh for a bushfire-related construction requirement, confirm the requirements applying to your property with your builder, building certifier or bushfire consultant.
Installing Fine Mesh alone does not establish whole-building BAL compliance.
How to Install Gutter Guard on a Corrugated Roof
The exact cutting, fixing and spacing requirements should always come from the current Leaf Stopper instructions. The following is an overview of the CORROGUARD® installation process rather than a replacement for those instructions.
Step 1: Lay Out the Mesh Shield
Position the 250mm Mesh Shield along the gutter run.
Work with manageable sections and confirm the mesh is positioned correctly before permanently fixing it.
Step 2: Secure Mesh Shield to the Gutter Edge
At a compatible traditional external gutter edge, use the supplied interlocking Trimets and screws to secure the Mesh Shield.
Keep the Trimets aligned along the gutter edge so the finished installation remains neat and consistent.
Do not invent your own screw spacing. Follow the current Leaf Stopper instructions and supplied component layout.
Step 3: Form the Mesh to the Corrugated Roof
The Mesh Shield needs to conform to the curved corrugated roof geometry.
Leaf Stopper's installation process uses carefully positioned cuts in the Mesh Shield so it can mould around the roof profile.
Follow the current installation diagrams rather than making arbitrary notches or cuts. Incorrect cuts may create unnecessary openings or weaken the finished detail.
Step 4: Secure the Mesh with Corrofast Saddles
Once the Mesh Shield has been formed correctly against the roof, use the supplied Corrofast Saddles and screws to secure it to the compatible corrugated roof profile.
The saddles are installed over the Mesh Shield at the appropriate points on the corrugations.
Do not rely on generic advice such as fixing a saddle to "every second" or "every third" rib. Use the spacing and positioning shown in the current CORROGUARD® installation instructions.
Step 5: Complete Joins, Corners, Hips and Ends
Roof and gutter geometry changes around corners, hips, ridges and adjoining runs.
Trim the Mesh Shield carefully and complete these details using the current installation instructions.
A suitable silicone may be required around specified hip corners or upper ridge terminations. Silicone is not automatically included with the kit.
Do not use a universal overlap distance unless it is specified in the current instructions for that detail.
Step 6: Inspect the Finished Installation
Once the run is complete, check that:
- The Mesh Shield is securely retained.
- Trimets remain properly aligned.
- Saddles and screws are secure.
- There are no obvious unintended openings.
- Downpipe entrances remain unobstructed.
- Mesh is not excessively distorted or damaged.
Watch the CORROGUARD® Installation Video
Watch the Leaf Stopper metal-roof installation video before beginning your installation and use it together with the current written instructions.
For diagrams and current installation details, visit the Leaf Stopper gutter guard installation instructions.
What About Corrugated Roof Valleys?
Roof valleys should be measured separately from external gutter edges.
A current CORROGUARD® valley kit includes:
- 250mm-wide Mesh Shield in the selected mesh type and length
- Corrofast Saddles
- Colour-matched screws
Trimets are not required for the standard CORROGUARD® valley installation.
Do not use TILEGUARD™ valley specifications for a corrugated metal roof. TILEGUARD™ uses a different valley configuration and wider Mesh Shield because tiled roofs require a different installation method.
Roof valleys can carry concentrated water flow and may involve flashing and complex roof junctions. Existing leaks, damaged flashing or unusual valley configurations should be assessed before gutter guard is installed.
Common CORROGUARD® Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the Wrong Roof System
CORROGUARD® is for compatible traditional curved corrugated roofs. Flat-pan profiles may require DEK-762™ or DEKGUARD® instead.
Inventing Saddle Spacing
Do not use generic internet advice about fastening every second or third corrugation. Follow the current Leaf Stopper instructions.
Making Excessive Cuts
Relief or expansion cuts should allow Mesh Shield to follow the roof profile without creating unnecessary openings. Use the supplied installation method.
Assuming Leaves Will Always Blow Away
The inclined mesh surface can help dry debris move under suitable wind conditions, but wet or lodged debris may remain and require removal.
Installing Over Existing Problems
Gutter guard will not correct:
- Incorrect gutter fall
- Corroded gutters
- Leaking joins
- Blocked downpipes
- Undersized drainage
- Damaged roof sheets or flashing
Address these issues before installation.
Assuming More Expensive Mesh Is Always Better
Select mesh according to the property rather than automatically choosing the highest-priced option.
Premium Mesh is thicker than Standard. Fine Mesh has a smaller aperture for finer debris and applicable bushfire requirements.
Maintaining CORROGUARD® After Installation
Installing gutter guard doesn't mean you can forget about your roof and gutters permanently.
Fine dust, pollen and sediment may still pass through Mesh Shield. Wet leaves and branches can also remain on the surface after storms.
Inspection frequency should reflect your local conditions rather than an arbitrary six-month schedule.
Properties surrounded by heavy vegetation or affected by severe storms may need to be checked more often than properties with little surrounding debris.
Useful inspection points include:
- Mesh Shield surface
- Downpipe entrances
- Gutter corners
- Roof valleys
- Saddles and visible fixings
- Areas affected by falling branches
Make Future Access Easier with EasyAc®
EasyAc® is an optional gutter access panel that provides removable local access through Mesh Shield.
It can make it easier to inspect selected areas or flush loose fine sediment without removing a long section of gutter guard.
An EasyAc® can be useful near selected downpipe outlets or other maintenance points.
It does not automatically clear a blockage further down a downpipe or within underground stormwater infrastructure.
Is DIY CORROGUARD® Installation Right for You?
Installing CORROGUARD® yourself can be a practical option when:
- You have confirmed a compatible corrugated roof profile.
- The roof and gutter are straightforward.
- You have suitable tools.
- You can safely access the entire work area.
- You are comfortable following the supplied installation instructions.
Professional installation is generally the better option for high, steep, complex or difficult-to-access roofs.
If you're ready to configure a system for your roof, view Leaf Stopper gutter guard kits.
If you'd prefer the work completed professionally, find a Leaf Stopper installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install gutter guard on a corrugated roof myself?
Yes, capable DIY users may be able to install CORROGUARD® on a straightforward and safely accessible corrugated roof. Working at height involves significant risk, so professional installation is preferable for high, steep or complex properties.
Does CORROGUARD® suit every COLORBOND® roof?
No. COLORBOND® is a steel product rather than a single roof profile. CORROGUARD® is designed for compatible traditional curved corrugated metal profiles. Other COLORBOND® roof profiles may require DEK-762™ or DEKGUARD®.
How wide is CORROGUARD® Mesh Shield?
Current CORROGUARD® gutter-edge and valley kits use 250mm-wide Mesh Shield.
Do CORROGUARD® valleys use Trimets?
No. Trimets are used at compatible external gutter edges. They are not required for the standard CORROGUARD® valley installation.
How often should Corrofast Saddles be installed?
Follow the current CORROGUARD® installation instructions. Do not apply a generic every-second or every-third-corrugation rule unless the current instructions specifically require it.
Should I add 10% extra Mesh Shield when measuring?
There is no universal waste percentage that should automatically be added to every installation. Measure gutter runs and valleys carefully and allow for joins, corners and installation details according to the current instructions and kit configuration.
Does gutter guard stop all gutter cleaning?
No. CORROGUARD® helps reduce larger debris entering the gutter, but fine sediment and surface debris can still require periodic inspection and maintenance.
Will leaves automatically blow off the Mesh Shield?
Not always. The inclined Mesh Shield surface can help dry debris move away under suitable wind conditions, but wet leaves, branches or lodged debris may remain.
Which mesh is best for pine needles?
Fine Mesh is generally the most appropriate Leaf Stopper option for pine needles and other smaller debris because it uses a 1.8mm × 1.8mm woven aperture.
Is CORROGUARD® suitable for bushfire-prone areas?
Leaf Stopper Mesh Shield is made from non-combustible aluminium. Fine Mesh is the BAL-rated option within the range where applicable. Confirm the requirements for your particular property when gutter guard forms part of a bushfire construction or ember-protection specification.
Will installing CORROGUARD® affect my roof warranty?
Roof warranty conditions vary between manufacturers and products. Check your roofing manufacturer's current warranty and installation requirements before mechanically fastening accessories to a roof that remains under warranty.