Bushfires in Australia are becoming a more common occurrence during our hot and dry climate.
If you live in a bushfire-prone area, consider materials in screens that have been tested to withstand these high temperatures and feature an aperture under 2mm, such as Amplimesh® SupaScreen®.
When building in a bushfire zone, the National Construction Code (NCC) requires mandatory screening on all operable glazed windows. With respect to doors, the requirement to screen the door/s is dependent on the glazed product used in your home, as it may also be necessary to screen the glazed door/s. The level of screen required will depend on the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) that has been designated to your property. There are currently 6 BAL categories.
- BAL – LOW – There is insufficient risk to warrant specific construction requirements
- BAL – 12.5 – Ember attack
- BAL – 19 – Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux between 12.5 and 19 kW/m2
- BAL – 29 – Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux between 19 and 29 kW/m2
- BAL – 40 – Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux with the increased likelihood of exposure to flames
- BAL – FZ – Direct exposure to flames from fire front in addition to heat flux and ember attack
Our Amplimesh® SupaScreen® security screens have been tested and satisfy the requirements for Bushfire Attack Level including up to and including BAL-FZ the highest BAL category. Both IntrudaGuard® and PrivacyGuard® can be used in areas up to and including BAL-29.
Flyscreen and Diamond grille screens can also be used within a bushfire zone when fitted with the appropriate fly mesh such as Aluminium or Stain steel.