Home > Technical > Bushfire Rating
BUSHFIRE RATING
Bush fires are one of the most spectacular and destructive natural forces in Australia and they continue to be a major threat to the community.
In response to devastating losses of life and property in past bush fire events, the latest release of the Australian Standard AS3959—Building in Bushfire Prone Areas has significant changes, bringing major change to construction of homes to be built in the future.
Wideline is a 100% Australian owned company and our products are designed to perform in the harshest Australian conditions. We can supply custom fit solutions for all bush fire attack levels as determined by AS3959 up to and including BAL-40.
When you are building or renovating, your level of bush fire risk will affect the development requirements. BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) Ratings are qualified as follows:
- BAL-Low there is insufficient risk to warrant specific construction requirements.
- BAL-12.5 risk is primarily from potential embers during a fire.
- BAL-19 increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by wind-borne embers together with increasing heat flux between 12.5 and 19 kWm2.
- BAL-29 increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by wind-borne embers together with increasing heat flux between 19 and 29 kWm2.
- BAL-40 increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by wind-borne embers together with increasing heat flux and the increased likelihood of exposure to flames.
- BAL-FZ direct exposure to flames from fire front in addition to heat flux and ember attack.
Wideline Windows & Doors BAL Ratings
Wideline products are tested and certified as follows:
| HORIZON RANGE | BAL-12.5 | BAL-19 | BAL-29 | BAL-40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double Hung Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixlite Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sliding Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bi-Fold Door | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Entry Door | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Sliding Door | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stacking Door | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ASCEND RANGE | BAL-12.5 | BAL-19 | BAL-29 | BAL-40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Casement Window | ||||
| Fixlite Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Louvre Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sliding Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sliding Door | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stacking Door | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PARAGON RANGE | BAL-12.5 | BAL-19 | BAL-29 | BAL-40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bi-Fold Window | ||||
| Casement Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double Hung Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixlite Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gas Strut Window | ||||
| Louvre Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Sliding Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bi-Fold Door | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entry Door | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sliding Door | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stacking Door | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cavity Stacker Door |
| NATURA RANGE | BAL-12.5 | BAL-19 | BAL-29 | BAL-40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Window | Merbau | Merbau | Merbau | |
| Bi-Fold Window | ||||
| Casement Window | Merbau | Merbau | Merbau | |
| Double Hung Window | Merbau | Merbau | Merbau | |
| Fixlite Window | Merbau | Merbau | Merbau | |
| Louvre Window | Merbau | Merbau | ||
| Sliding Window | Merbau | Merbau | Merbau | |
| Bi-Fold Door | Merbau | Merbau | Merbau | |
| Entry Door | Merbau | Merbau | Merbau | |
| Sliding Door | Merbau | Merbau | Merbau | |
| Stacking Door | Merbau | Merbau | Merbau |
Note:
All openings of a window must be screened with Aluminium, Bronze or Stainless Steel mesh.
No door screenings are required, however if door screen is external, mesh must be Aluminium, Bronze or Stainless Steel.
Any timber species or aluminium product can be used if completely protected by a bushfire shutter that is compliant with AS 1530.8.1-2018.
For full requirements of BAL compliant Hardware, Sealing and Glazing, please call our team on 1300 943 354 or use the online Enquiry form.
