Blocked internal box gutters can create serious problems for warehouses, factories, commercial buildings and other large facilities. When leaves, branches and organic debris restrict drainage, water may overflow into areas where it can affect stock, equipment, ceilings and building materials.
Choosing the right industrial gutter guard solution is not simply about covering the gutter. The system must suit the width of the internal box gutter, the adjoining roof profile, the surrounding vegetation and the level of maintenance access required.
This guide explains how the Leaf Stopper COMGUARD™ system is designed for internal box gutters found on commercial, industrial and some residential buildings. You will learn about the four available mesh widths, the three Mesh Shield options, the Clamper and Gripit fixing method, compatible metal roof profiles and the importance of ongoing inspection.
Key Takeaways
- COMGUARD™ is designed specifically for internal box gutters rather than traditional external eaves gutters.
- Mesh Shield is available in 250mm, 500mm, 750mm and 1000mm widths to suit different box-gutter spans.
- COMGUARD™ uses Clampers to secure the mesh to a wall or box-gutter upstand and Gripit brackets to secure it to the adjoining flat-based roof profile.
- Standard, Premium and Fine Mesh options are available for different durability, debris and bushfire requirements.
- COMGUARD™ does not include a separate valley-protection option.
- The correct product must be matched to the adjoining roof profile so the appropriate number of Gripits can be supplied.
Understanding Industrial Box-Gutter Protection
Large commercial and industrial roofs can direct substantial volumes of rainwater into internal box gutters. Unlike a conventional external gutter positioned along the edge of a residential roof, a box gutter is commonly located between roof sections or beside a wall or parapet.
This location makes blockages particularly important to manage. If an external gutter overflows, water may spill outside the building. If an internal box gutter overflows, water may enter the roof cavity or building interior.
An industrial gutter guard should therefore be selected around the actual box-gutter layout rather than treated as a generic mesh cover. The span of the gutter, adjoining roof profile, downpipe locations, surrounding vegetation and required maintenance access all influence the correct system.
COMGUARD™ is designed to cover internal box gutters while helping reduce leaves, twigs and larger debris entering the water channel. It may be used on warehouses, factories, workshops, shopping facilities, schools, commercial buildings and residential properties that incorporate internal box gutters.
Why Insert-Style Products May Be Unsuitable
Foam, brush and other insert-style products sit inside the gutter channel. In an internal box gutter, this can occupy space that would otherwise be available for water movement and may make inspection more difficult.
COMGUARD™ spans over the box gutter instead. This helps keep larger debris above the water channel while preserving access to the gutter through suitably positioned inspection points.
COMGUARD™ Is for Internal Box Gutters
COMGUARD™ should not be confused with gutter guard systems designed for standard external eaves gutters.
- CORROGUARD® is designed for traditional external gutters beside corrugated metal roofs.
- TILEGUARD™ is designed for external gutters beside tiled roofs.
- DEK-762™ uses profile-specific saddles for compatible DEK-762-style roof profiles.
- DEKGUARD™ is designed for external eaves gutters beside supported flat-based metal roof profiles.
- COMGUARD™ is designed to span internal box gutters.
How the COMGUARD System Works
Internal box gutters do not have the same outer gutter lip as traditional residential eaves gutters. For this reason, COMGUARD™ does not use Trimets to secure the mesh to the box-gutter edge.
The system instead uses two purpose-designed fixing components:
- Clampers: Used to secure the Mesh Shield to the wall, parapet or vertical upstand beside the box gutter.
- Gripit brackets: Used to secure the opposite side of the Mesh Shield to the adjoining flat-based metal roof profile.
The Mesh Shield spans between these fixing points and covers the internal box gutter below. When the correct width and roof-profile kit are selected, the system creates a supported barrier above the gutter channel.
The required number of Gripit brackets depends on the adjoining roof profile and its rib spacing. Selecting the correct profile when ordering allows the appropriate Gripit quantity to be calculated for the kit.
What Comes in a COMGUARD™ Kit?
A COMGUARD™ kit generally includes:
- Mesh Shield in your selected width, length, mesh type and colour
- Clampers for fastening the mesh to the wall or box-gutter upstand
- Gripit brackets suited to the selected adjoining roof profile
- Colour-matched hex-head screws for the Clampers and Gripits
- A drive socket for the supplied hex-head screws where included with the order
COMGUARD™ does not use Trimets, corrugated saddles or DEKAFast saddles.
No Separate Valley Option
COMGUARD™ is supplied as an internal box-gutter protection system. It does not include a separate roof-valley product option.
Measure the internal box gutters that require protection and order the appropriate COMGUARD™ width and length. Do not add roof-valley measurements to the box-gutter total.
Choosing the Correct COMGUARD Width
Internal box gutters vary significantly in width. COMGUARD™ is therefore available in four Mesh Shield widths:
- 250mm Mesh Shield
- 500mm Mesh Shield
- 750mm Mesh Shield
- 1000mm Mesh Shield
The selected mesh must be wide enough to span from the Clamper fixing position on the wall or upstand to the Gripit fixing position on the adjoining roof profile.
Do not select the width based only on the open water channel at the bottom of the box gutter. The full fixing span and the required installation allowance must also be considered.
Where the correct width is uncertain, review the Leaf Stopper installation information or speak with Leaf Stopper before placing the order. Large commercial installations may also benefit from assessment by a professional roofing or gutter-guard installer.
Why the Width Matters
Mesh that is too narrow may not reach both fixing points securely. Mesh that is unnecessarily wide may be difficult to tension and fit neatly across the box gutter.
Selecting the appropriate width helps the mesh remain supported across the gutter while allowing the Clampers and Gripits to be installed in their intended positions.
COMGUARD Mesh Options
COMGUARD™ is available with all three Leaf Stopper Mesh Shield options.
Standard Mesh
Standard Mesh has a 3.5mm x 3.5mm aperture and is manufactured from 0.55mm aluminium. It is suitable for general leaf and larger debris protection.
Premium Mesh
Premium Mesh uses the same 3.5mm x 3.5mm aperture as Standard Mesh but is manufactured from 0.80mm aluminium. It is approximately 46% thicker than Standard Mesh and is selected where increased mesh strength and durability are preferred.
Premium Mesh is not a finer-aperture option. Its main difference is the increased aluminium thickness.
Fine Mesh
Fine Mesh has a 1.8mm x 1.8mm woven aperture and is manufactured from 0.40mm aluminium. It is designed to help reduce smaller debris entering the box gutter.
Fine Mesh is the only BAL-rated mesh option in the Leaf Stopper range. If the building is located in a bushfire-prone area, review the relevant property requirements before selecting a mesh. Learn more on the Leaf Stopper bushfire protection page.
Choosing Between the Mesh Types
The best option depends on the environment surrounding the building:
- Standard Mesh may suit sites affected primarily by larger leaves and general debris.
- Premium Mesh may suit projects where a thicker and stronger mesh is preferred.
- Fine Mesh may suit sites affected by smaller leaves, pine needles, fine seeds or specific BAL requirements.
No mesh can prevent every particle of dust, pollen or fine sediment from entering the gutter. Periodic inspection and maintenance are still required.
Compatible Commercial and Industrial Roof Profiles
COMGUARD™ is designed to work beside supported flat-based metal roof profiles. The correct roof profile must be selected so the kit contains the appropriate number of Gripit brackets.
Common roof profiles available within the COMGUARD™ range include:
Lysaght Roof Profiles
- Klip-Lok 406
- Klip-Lok Classic 700
- Klip-Lok 700 Hi-Strength
- Trimdek
- Spandek
- Flatdek
- Flatdek II
- Longline 305
- Integrity 820
- Spanrib
- Permalite V-Rib
- Permalite LT7
- Permalite Alspan
Metroll Roof Profiles
- Metlok 700
- Metlock Cyclonic 680
- Hi-Deck 650
- Metrospan
- Spanplus 500
- Trimclad
Stramit Roof Profiles
- Speed Deck 500
- Speed Deck Ultra
- CapacityPlus 660
- Megaclad
- Monoclad
- Longspan
Additional profile-specific and Gripit-per-metre options may also be available. Browse the COMGUARD™ collection to locate your roof profile.
If your exact roof profile is not listed, do not automatically select the closest-looking option. Confirm the manufacturer, profile name, rib spacing and dimensions before ordering.
Why Profile Selection Matters
Different metal roof profiles use different rib spacing and pan configurations. This affects the number and positioning of the Gripit brackets required along each metre of mesh.
Profile selection does not change the purpose of the Clampers. Clampers still secure the opposite side of the Mesh Shield to the vertical wall or box-gutter upstand.
Maintenance Access and Inspection
No industrial gutter guard system is completely maintenance-free. COMGUARD™ helps reduce larger debris entering the internal box gutter, but dust, pollen and fine organic sediment may still pass through the mesh over time.
Maintenance planning is particularly important for internal box gutters because access may be more difficult than it is for external residential gutters.
Using EasyAc Access Panels
An EasyAc access panel may be installed at suitable inspection points to provide access through the Mesh Shield without removing a long section of the system.
Potential locations include:
- Near downpipe outlets
- Near box-gutter sumps
- At the ends of longer gutter runs
- Near areas where debris is more likely to collect
The exact number and position of access points should be considered as part of the installation layout.
Recommended Inspection Approach
Inspection frequency depends on the building, nearby vegetation, dust exposure and local weather. A heavily treed or industrial site may need more frequent checks than an open site with little surrounding vegetation.
During an inspection:
- Remove large debris resting on top of the mesh.
- Check that Clampers, Gripits and screws remain secure.
- Inspect the mesh for damage caused by branches, equipment or foot traffic.
- Check the box gutter and downpipe outlets for fine sediment.
- Confirm that water can move toward the outlets without obvious restriction.
A normal garden hose may be used where suitable to help move loose sediment toward the drainage outlets. Avoid directing high-pressure cleaning equipment against the mesh or fixing components at close range.
Measuring and Ordering COMGUARD
Accurate measurement is essential when ordering a COMGUARD™ kit.
1. Measure the Box-Gutter Length
Measure each internal box-gutter run requiring protection. Record separate runs individually so corners, interruptions and changes in roof profile can be considered.
2. Measure the Required Mesh Span
Measure the span between the intended Clamper fixing point and the intended Gripit fixing point. Use this measurement to determine whether the 250mm, 500mm, 750mm or 1000mm Mesh Shield is appropriate.
3. Identify the Adjoining Roof Profile
Confirm the roof manufacturer and exact profile name. The selected profile determines the number of Gripit brackets supplied with the kit.
4. Select the Mesh Type
Choose Standard, Premium or Fine Mesh based on the surrounding debris, required durability and any applicable bushfire considerations.
5. Consider Maintenance Access
Identify downpipes, sumps and likely sediment collection points. Add EasyAc access panels where appropriate.
6. Do Not Add Valley Measurements
COMGUARD™ has no separate valley-protection option. Your order should be based on the internal box-gutter length and required mesh width.
Choosing COMGUARD™ for Your Building
COMGUARD™ provides a profile-specific gutter protection option for internal box gutters used across commercial, industrial and some residential buildings.
Its four available Mesh Shield widths allow the system to cover different box-gutter spans, while the three mesh types provide options for general debris, increased durability, smaller debris and BAL-rated applications.
The system’s fixing method is designed specifically around the box-gutter configuration. Clampers secure the mesh to the wall or vertical upstand, while Gripits secure the opposite edge to the supported flat-based roof profile.
Correct measurement, roof-profile identification and maintenance planning are essential. For larger or more complex buildings, consider using a professional Leaf Stopper installer.
Browse the COMGUARD™ range to select your roof profile, mesh width and Mesh Shield option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of gutter is COMGUARD™ designed for?
COMGUARD™ is designed for internal box gutters commonly found on warehouses, factories, commercial buildings and some residential properties.
What widths are available?
COMGUARD™ Mesh Shield is available in 250mm, 500mm, 750mm and 1000mm widths.
Does COMGUARD™ use Trimets?
No. COMGUARD™ does not use Trimets because internal box gutters do not have the same gutter lip as traditional external eaves gutters. Clampers are used to secure the mesh to the wall or vertical upstand.
What secures the mesh to the roof side?
Gripit brackets secure the opposite side of the Mesh Shield to the adjoining flat-based metal roof profile.
Does COMGUARD™ include valley protection?
No. COMGUARD™ has no separate valley-protection option. It is supplied for internal box-gutter protection.
Which mesh options are available?
COMGUARD™ is available with Standard, Premium and Fine Mesh Shield.
Which COMGUARD™ mesh is BAL-rated?
Fine Mesh is the only BAL-rated mesh option in the Leaf Stopper range. Standard and Premium Mesh are non-combustible aluminium but are not BAL-rated.
Can COMGUARD™ be used on a residential building?
Yes. COMGUARD™ may be suitable for residential buildings that have an internal box gutter and a compatible adjoining roof profile.
How do I choose the correct COMGUARD™ product?
Measure the internal box-gutter length and required mesh span, then identify the adjoining roof manufacturer and profile. Select the appropriate mesh width, roof profile and Mesh Shield option when ordering.
What happens if my roof profile is not listed?
Contact Leaf Stopper before ordering. Do not select a product solely because the profile looks similar. The rib spacing and fixing requirements need to be confirmed.
Is COMGUARD™ maintenance-free?
No gutter guard is completely maintenance-free. COMGUARD™ helps reduce larger debris entering the box gutter, but periodic inspection and removal of fine sediment may still be required.
Can EasyAc be used with COMGUARD™?
An EasyAc access panel may be added at suitable locations to make future inspection and flushing easier.
Should an industrial COMGUARD™ system be professionally installed?
Professional installation is recommended for large, high or complex commercial roofs. Industrial roof work involves working-at-height risks and may require specialist assessment of the building’s drainage and access conditions.