Fire Rated Roller Shutters - is your home bushfire safe?
This blog will help you understand the requirements for fire safe external window shutters sold by Premier Shades. This information is technical so please contact us to discuss your requirements in detail.
If you live in a bushfire prone area, your choice of building materials - including fire safe external shutters - is critically important and must comply with Australian standards, your DA, and reports by consultants and the NSW Rural Fire Service.
BAL ratings
There are six Bushfire Attack Levels (or 'BAL') of bushfire risk. The BAL rating determines the building materials that must be used and are:
Low - low risk from a potential fire
12.5 - risk primarily from floating embers
19 - moderate risk from embers and burning debris
29 - high risk, particularly from embers, debris and heat
BAL-40 - very high risk
BAL-FZ ('Flame Zone') - extreme risk
Premier Shades is seeing more houses (new builds and renovations) specified to the higher standards of bushfire risk: BAL-40 and BAL-FZ. This is because the risk of bushfires is growing, and because houses are being built closer to bushland.
BPDAP Assessment
A Bushfire Planning and Design Accredited Practitioner will assess a building's BAL rating. Usually a BPAD assessor prepares a Bushfire Assessment Report when you submit DA plans to Council for a new build or renovation.
BAL-FZ shutters must be used on BAL-FZ rated buildings. BAL-40 shutters are recommended for any building rated BAL-40 or below.
Generally, if the BPAD assessor determines that one side of a building is BAL-FZ, then all sides will need to be protected using BAL-FZ building products, and all windows will need BAL-FZ external shutters. And if the Bushfire Assessment Report specifies BAL-FZ and, for example, BAL-40 products are installed, your certifier will not certify the building and grant an Occupation Certificate. Getting the details right is critical.
BAL-FZ and BAL-40 External Bushfire Shutters
BAL-FZ shutters are made from stainless steel and are the most costly external shutter option, given the high level of protection that they offer. BAL-FZ are always motorised and powered by battery or mains 240v. BAL-40 shutters are generally made from aluminium and can be powder coated to your choice of colour.
