BAL-12.5, a rating used in Australia, determines construction requirements for buildings in bushfire-prone areas. Representing a lower bushfire risk, it ensures safer construction.
Some construction requirements for BAL-12.5 rated buildings:
- Roof: Use non-combustible materials like concrete, steel, or tiles. Seal the roof to prevent burning embers and ensure it is fully sarked.
- External Walls: Construct parts less than 400 mm above ground or decks with non-combustible material, 6 mm fiber cement clad, or bushfire-resistant timber.
- External Windows: Protect with bushfire shutters or screens of steel, bronze, or aluminum mesh. Use 4 mm toughened glass within 400 mm of ground or decks. Screen openable portions with metal or bushfire-resistant timber frames.
- External Doors: Use bushfire shutters or steel, bronze, aluminum mesh screens, or 5 mm toughened glass. Opt for non-combustible or 35 mm solid timber for the lower 400 mm, and ensure they are tight-fitting with weather strips.
- Vents: Screen vents with non-corroding metal mesh to block burning embers.
- Decks, Verandahs, and Balconies: Enclose sub-floor spaces with no specific material requirements except within 400 mm of ground. Use non-combustible or fire-resistant decking within 300 mm horizontally and 400 mm vertically from glazed elements.
- Gutters and Downpipes: Implement non-combustible materials or gutter guards to prevent leaf and debris buildup.
- Floors: No specific requirements.
- Subfloor Supports: No special material requirements except within 400 mm of ground.
These are just some of the requirements for the BAL-12.5 rating. Consult a professional building designer or architect with bushfire-prone area experience to ensure full compliance. Bushfire consultants can provide additional advice on construction standards.
Get a copy of AS3959 from: STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
or you can Call Dwayne from WA Fire & Safety NOW for expert advice