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Why We Choose High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Mesh Over Metal Mesh

  • What Is High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)?

    High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a tough, versatile material known for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion and chemicals. It’s the same food-grade material used to make household and industrial water tanks, trusted throughout New Zealand for safely storing drinking water.

    We highlight this because it gives you peace of mind knowing that our gutter protection mesh is made from the same proven, long-lasting material that Kiwis rely on to hold thousands of litres of water — year after year — without rusting, cracking, or degrading.

  • Built for New Zealand Roofs

    At Four Seasons Gutter Protection, we use high-density UV-stabilised polyethylene mesh (HDPE), engineered specifically for New Zealand’s demanding climate. While metal meshes such as aluminium or steel have their place, they can introduce a few long-term challenges when used on metal roofs.

    Both the roof and the metal mesh expand and contract with temperature changes. Over time, this movement can cause the two surfaces to rub against each other, especially around fasteners and contact points. If that friction wears through the roof’s protective coating, it may expose the bare metal underneath — allowing moisture to reach the surface and sometimes leading to small areas of corrosion.

    Metal meshes are often powder-coated or painted for protection, but these coatings can scratch, chip, or wear away through handling, cleaning, or natural movement. Once the coating is compromised, the exposed metal can oxidise or stain.

  • The HDPE Advantage

    Our High Density Polyethylene mesh completely avoids those risks. It’s non-metallic, so it cannot rust or react with any roof type, and its colour is infused during manufacture, not coated afterwards — meaning it won’t fade, flake, or peel over time.

    It’s also flexible and resilient: if lifted for cleaning or impacted by debris, it springs back to its original shape, unlike rigid metal mesh which can stay bent or creased.

    The result is a system that offers long-term durability, easier maintenance, and total compatibility with all common New Zealand roof types — including metal corrugated & long run, metal tile, concrete tile, Spanish tile, French tile, shingle, and Butynol roofing systems.

High Density Polyethylene Mesh vs Metal Mesh

(A fair comparison — and why we’ve chosen what’s best for New Zealand roofs)

Feature
Four Seasons HDPE Mesh
Metal Mesh (Aluminium or Steel)
Corrosion & Rust Resistance
Non-metallic - cannot rust, corrode, or react with any roof surface. Safe for all roof types including COLORSTEEL and Zincalume.
Protective coatings such as powder coat or paint can wear, chip, or scratch over time, exposing metal and allowing corrosion to start at contact points.
Thermal Movement (Expansion & Contraction)
Flexes naturally with roof movement, maintaining a consistent seal and shape.
Both mesh and roof expand and contract; over time, friction between surfaces can wear coatings or create abrasion points.
Durability & Shape Retention
Flexible and resilient - springs back to its original shape after cleaning or impact.
Strong and rigid but can stay bent or misshapen if dented or folded.
Roof Compatibility
Universally compatible - suitable for metal corrugated & long run, metal tile, concrete tile, Spanish tile, French tile, shingle, and Butynol roofs.
Performs well when carefully matched to the right roof type; mixed-metal combinations may increase corrosion risk.
Surface Coating / Colour
Colour is infused during manufacture - won't fade, flake, or peel.
Colour is typically applied as a powder coat or paint, which can wear or scratch over time.
Maintenance & Handling
Lightweight and easy to remove or reinstall; no sharp edges.
Heavier and can have sharp edges; care required during cleaning to avoid surface damage.
UV & Weather Resistance
UV-stabilised for New Zealand's harsh sun - won't become brittle or discolour.
Metal is UV-stable but may oxidise or dull slightly at cut edges and joints.
Aesthetic & Finish
Consistent colour and finish that lasts the life of the product.
Can dull or stain depending on coating type and exposure.
Cost & Longevity
Comparable in cost to quality metal systems, with the benefit of zero corrosion risk and low ongoing maintenance.
Long-lasting when coatings remain intact; may require maintenance or repainting if corrosion develops.

The Smarter Choice for Kiwi Roofs

Metal meshes remain a solid option in some environments, but for most Kiwi homes, our UV-stabilised High Density Polyethylene mesh delivers the best combination of performance, appearance, and protection.

It removes corrosion risks, flexes with the roof, and maintains its colour and shape for years of reliable service — a gutter protection system built to last in New Zealand conditions.

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