Screw-down fixing: how it works
Our screw-down system pairs custom-engineered pilot tip screws with precision-manufactured profiles and gutter trims. It's one of two fixing methods we offer, designed for situations where a direct mechanical connection between your mesh, roof and gutter is the right fit for your property.
What makes screw-down different
When gutter mesh is secured with screws, the quality of that connection matters more than most people realise. Australian roof sheets are typically between 0.42mm and 0.48mm thick. That's not much material for a screw to grip. Standard tek screws create a hole the same diameter as their shaft, which means they rely on thread engagement alone. In thin materials, that grip is limited, and over time, thermal expansion and contraction can loosen the connection.
That's why we developed our own fastener. Our pilot tip screw has a self-drilling tip that's smaller than the shaft diameter. As the screw drives in, the tapered shaft progressively widens the hole through a process called swaging. This creates dual retention: the thread pulls the screw down while the shaft wedges outward against the surrounding metal. The result is a tight mechanical fit that resists loosening, even through decades of temperature cycling on an Australian roof.
Every screw is Class 3 galvanised for long-term weather resistance, and the painted heads are colour-matched to your roof for a clean, professional finish. Combined with our profiles, gutter trims and the optional Screw-Down Multi-Lock Trim, screw-down installation gives you a complete, engineered connection from roof to gutter.
Position the mesh
Place the roll on the roof with the cut edge facing the gutter. The cut edge should rest on top, just inside the gutter edge. Roll the mesh out along the gutter run.
Secure the gutter side
If using a standard or Mesh Lock trim, place it over the mesh at the gutter edge. Screw through the pre-made holes to fasten the mesh to the gutter. Tighten until the rubber washer begins to compress, then stop.
Fit the roof profiles/saddles
Place the profiles/saddles over the mesh on the roof side. Adjust left and right for a good fit, then screw to the roof sheet using the Pilot Tip Screws.
How screw-down installation works
A screw-down installation uses our pilot tip screws to mechanically fasten mesh to your roof and gutter. The process is straightforward, and every kit comes with everything you need. Here's what's involved.
We tested every screw on the market
Roofing screws are designed for timber, not metal-to-metal fastening. Standard tek screws have drill tips the same size or larger than their shaft, which creates an oversized hole in thin materials. Needlepoint screws grip well but are trickier to install, especially on gutters.
None of them were engineered for the specific challenge of securing gutter mesh to thin roof sheets. So we built our own. Our pilot tip combines the self-cutting ability of a tek screw with the tapered retention of a needlepoint, but with a cutting tip made as small as manufacturing allows. The result is a fastener that cuts cleanly, wedges tightly, and holds securely in materials under 0.5mm thick.
Every detail has been developed for gutter mesh installation: the self-drilling tip, the tapered body, the Class 3 galvanised finish and the colour-matched painted heads. It's the kind of engineering that only comes from over 30 years of listening to installers and going back to the workshop to get it right.
Or mix and match methods to suit your property
The roof side and the gutter side are independent. Every component in our range is designed to work together, so you can combine screw-down and screw-free fittings to suit your property. Here's what each combination looks like.
The mesh
Your chosen mesh type sits at the centre of every installation, regardless of which fixing method you use on each side.
Screw-free gutter trim
Our Screw-Free Multi-Lock Trim with UV-resistant nylon clips. Clips onto the rolled gutter edge with no drilling, and can be unclipped later for access if needed.
Trusted by homeowners and professionals
Thousands of Australian homes and commercial properties are protected with Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh, installed using both our screw-down and screw-free methods. Here's what our customers are installing.
Start your screw-down installation
Whether you're installing yourself or working with a professional, we've got you covered. DIY installers can order a complete screw-down kit with everything needed for their roof type, including mesh, colour-matched profiles, gutter trims and our pilot tip screws. If you'd prefer a professional installation, we can connect you with an experienced installer in your area.
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Need advice on the right mesh for your property, a quote or help with installation? Talk to us and we'll point you in the right direction.
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