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Whirlybird Ember Guard FAQs – Bushfire Safety & AS3959 Compliance

Have questions about Whirlybird Ember Guards and how they help protect your home from bushfire embers? This FAQ page answers common queries about installation, compliance with AS3959, sizing, and maintenance. Learn how these stainless steel guards help reduce risk while keeping your roof ventilated

What is it made from?

Our ember guards are manufactured from high-quality 304 stainless steel. This material was chosen for its corrosion resistance, strength, and suitability for Australian outdoor conditions. The mesh has a wire diameter of 0.6mm and an aperture (mesh hole size) of 1.6mm.

The Whirlybird Ember Guard was originally designed by a bushfire firefighter in Western Australia — read the full design history here.

Is it AS 3959 Compliant?

Yes. AS3959 requires roof ventilation openings to be protected to reduce ember entry during bushfires. Our whirlybird ember guards are specifically designed to meet these standards, blocking embers while still allowing adequate airflow. This gives your roof space protection without compromising ventilation.

Learn more in our AS3959 guide for homeowners.

How is it installed?

Installation is simple and can usually be completed in a few minutes:

Remove the whirlybird spinner (typically three screws)

Place the ember guard on the internal ledge inside the whirlybird throat

Reattach the spinner

No specialist tools are required.

How long will it last?

Our whirlybird ember guards are made from durable 304 stainless steel, built to withstand Australian weather. With minimal maintenance, they can last for many years while keeping your roof space protected from embers and pests.

What size is my whirlybird?

Simply measure the diameter of your whirlybird ‘neck’ for the size. The standard sizes are 300mm and 250mm. Most whirlybirds installed on houses are 300mm, smaller sheds tend to have the 250mm whirlybird.

Does it also block vermin?

Blocking rats, mice, birds, and other pests from entering your roof space is a great secondary benefit of the whirlybird ember guard. The mesh is strong enough to keep out animals but still allows proper ventilation.

Learn more about using whirlybird ember guards for rodent protection.

What if I bought the wrong size?

If you purchase the wrong size, simply send it back and we’ll provide the correct size — easy, fast, and no stress.

Does a whirlybird ember guard block ventilation?

No — our ember guards let air flow freely while keeping embers out. The mesh is designed to maintain ventilation without compromising protection.

How does it work?

The whirlybird ember guard blocks bushfire embers from entering your roof space while still allowing airflow. Its 0.6 mm stainless steel mesh with 1.6 mm openings ensures your roof stays ventilated and protected.