The Ultimate Guide To: Debris Netting & Brickguards

Working safely and efficiently from height starts with dependable edge protection. This guide explains what debris netting and brickguards do, how to install them correctly, and when to use each. As one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers with over 30 years’ experience, we keep large stocks ready for Next Day Delivery and Click & Collect—so you can get on with the job.

What is debris netting?

Debris netting is a lightweight, fine-mesh barrier fixed to scaffolds, frames, or temporary structures to contain dust and light materials. It helps to stop small offcuts, mortar droppings, and packaging escaping the work zone, improving site housekeeping and protecting the public. Most products are made from UV-stabilised HDPE with reinforced hems and button-hole eyelets to take the strain of regular fixings. You’ll see it along scaffold lifts, around demolition zones, and near loading bays where containment matters without fully enclosing the façade.

Is scaffold debris netting fire retardant?

Standard debris netting is not inherently fire retardant. Fire-retardant (FR) variants are available and clearly marked, offering enhanced performance to recognised classifications. Many principal contractors and local authorities now specify FR netting as standard. Always check the product datasheet and certification, and replace damaged or heavily worn sections because UV exposure and age can compromise performance. When in doubt, choose FR: the cost difference is modest and the compliance benefits are significant.

How to secure debris netting

Good results start with planning. Measure the elevation, allow for overlaps at panel joints and corners, and unroll from a firm reference point such as a corner standard. Align the hemmed edge and eyelets to the top guardrail or ledger and secure the top edge first using UV-stable cable ties or purpose-made scaffold ties. Pass each tie through the eyelet if present; where there are no eyelets, aim for roughly 150 to 200 millimetres between fixings to prevent sagging. Once the top run is tensioned, stitch the netting to uprights and ledgers at approximately 300 to 500 millimetres vertically and secure the bottom edge at around 300 millimetres spacing. Overlap adjacent sheets by 50 to 100 millimetres and stitch the seam at about 150 to 200 millimetres centres so gusts can’t open gaps. When cutting around openings, trim cleanly, fold the edge, and add extra ties so no loose flaps remain. Re-check tension after high winds and replace any torn or embrittled sections. Remember that netting adds wind load to a scaffold, so always follow the designer’s assumptions and strengthen ties or bracing where exposure is high.

What is debris netting used for?

Debris netting controls falling debris from routine tasks such as bricklaying, re-pointing, and strip-out. It protects workers and the public by keeping light materials within the scaffold envelope and helps maintain a tidier workface that speeds up progress. Although it is not a full weather enclosure, the mesh moderates gusts and reduces light spray so trades can work more comfortably on exposed elevations. It also acts as a visual barrier that improves site presentation and clearly marks restricted areas.

What is the difference between safety netting and debris netting?

Safety netting is a fall-arrest system designed to catch people and heavier objects when installed by trained specialists to a site-specific design. Debris netting is a lightweight containment screen intended only to stop dust and small materials from leaving the work zone. The two are not interchangeable. Safety nets protect people from falls; debris nets contain debris. Never use debris netting as a substitute for a fall-arrest system.

What are brickguards?

Brickguards are rigid, high-visibility panels that clip to scaffold guardrails and close the gap between the toe-board and mid-rail. Their job is to prevent bricks, tiles, small tools, and similar items sliding or tipping from platform level. Quality brickguards use robust plastic or metal mesh with an integrated top hook and lower tie-off points so they install quickly, stack neatly for transport, and stand up to repeated use. They complement, rather than replace, toe-boards and guardrails and are especially valuable on active lifts where handling small units is routine.

Debris netting vs brickguards: when to use each

Use debris netting when you need façade-wide containment and some moderation of wind and spray across larger elevations. Use brickguards at platform edges where the risk is concentrated at foot level and the consequence of a dropped brick or tool is highest. On most live façades, the right answer is both together: brickguards secure the platform edge while debris netting controls the wider workface and protects the public realm below.

Fitting brickguards: a quick walkthrough

Start by confirming the platform is complete with toe-boards and guardrails. Hook each brickguard over the designated rail, then secure the lower edge to the toe-board or ledger in line with the manufacturer’s guidance so there is no rattle or movement. Bring panels together without gaps and double-check stability after opening or closing loading bays or after heavy handling. Routine inspections keep everything snug and compliant.

Buying the right kit

When selecting debris netting, consider roll width and length, colour visibility, UV stability, hem strength, eyelet spacing, and whether you require fire-retardant certification. Make sure you order enough ties and choose UV-stable options that match the spacing guidance above. For brickguards, check panel height and width, compatibility with tube-and-fitting or system scaffolds, rigidity, and visibility colour. Reusable, stackable, branded panels help with inventory control and presentation on busy sites.

Why buy from us

We hold deep stocks of debris netting and brickguards in popular sizes, colours, and FR grades at competitive prices, with Next Day Delivery and Click & Collect to keep your programme moving. Our proven track record spans major projects and local builders alike, and our helpful technical team can advise on product selection, compliance, and quantities so you order exactly what you need the first time.

If you’d like a tailored pick-list for your elevations and lift heights, tell us a few project details and we’ll specify the netting, ties, brickguards, and accessories to suit—your one-stop shop for safe, reliable edge protection.