5 Things to Consider
1
What zone are you in?
There are 6 zones including:
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BAL-LOW: Insufficient risk to warrant a construction response
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BAL-12.5: concern of ember attack
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BAL-19: increasing levels of ember attack and airborne burning debris plus increasing danger from radiant heat up to 19kwm2
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BAL-29: Greater risk of damage from airborne burning debris. Further risk from radiant heat exposure up to 29kwm²
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BAL-40: Burning debris ignited by windborne embers and radiant heat exposure up to 40kwm². Likelihood of direct flame contact
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BAL-FZ: Direct flame contact from fire front & radiant heat exposure greater than 40kwm²
We recommend having your local council or a recognised bush fire consultant determine your BAL rating (for additional assistance you can also speak to your local Rural Fire Service).
2
What other criteria do you need to comply with?
Besides your BAL rating, you will also need to comply with other criteria such as thermal performance, air infiltration, water penetration and acoustics. These are set out by your state.
All requirements must be complied with.
BAL does not supersede other requirements. Therefore, it is important to select a window supplier that has a wide range of options to accommodate all your needs.
3
What’s your style?
Good news! Just because you’re building in a bushfire prone zone doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Aluminium windows offer the most versatile range of solutions. Check out the largest range tested window systems in Australia!
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The only limitation is glass panels can’t be bigger than 5.0m2 – but we think you can work with that!
4
What are your options?
You have 4 options to comply with BAL rated zones and protect your home and family.
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Use a Tested System
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Use a Deemed-to-satisfy (DTS) product
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Use a Bushfire Shutter (must be shut to work)
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Use a Bushfire Screen (must be shut to work)
Each of these options have their advantages and disadvantages. The difference comes down to price, look, protection and peace of mind. What do you want to achieve for your home?
We recommend using a tested system because we know it has withstood vigorous physical testing. You also don’t need to be home to enact your fire plan, close your shutters or replace your screens.
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For more techincal information, please download our BAL-40 Technical White Paper.
5
What does it cost?
By our estimates Bal-40 windows cost you approximately 21% more than standard windows.
Our customers say the extra 21% is well worth the peace of mind to protect your family in the event of a bushfire.
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