BAL-29, an Australian Bushfire Attack Level rating, prescribes construction requirements for moderate bushfire risk. It actively guides builders to boost fire safety.
Some construction requirements for BAL-29 rated buildings:
- Roof: Construct roofs with non-combustible materials, seal roof/wall junctions, and install ember guards. Fully sark the roof.
- External Walls: Use non-combustible materials like masonry or brick veneer, or bushfire-resistant timber. Sark timber or steel-framed walls and clad them with 6 mm fiber cement or steel sheeting.
- External Windows: Protect windows with bushfire shutters or screens made of steel, bronze, or aluminum mesh. Utilize 5 mm toughened glass and ensure openable portions are screened with metal or bushfire-resistant timber frames.
- External Doors: Employ bushfire shutters or screen doors with steel, bronze, or aluminum mesh. Use non-combustible materials like 35 mm solid timber for 400 mm above the threshold, and ensure tight-fitting weather strips.
- Vents: Install non-corroding metal mesh screens to block burning embers.
- Decks, Verandahs, and Balconies: Construct decking using non-combustible materials.
- Gutters and Downpipes: Use non-combustible materials or install gutter guards to prevent debris build-up.
- Floors: Lay a concrete slab on the ground, enclose it with external walls, or use non-combustible materials for flooring less than 400 mm above ground.
- Subfloor Supports: Enclose with external walls or use non-combustible materials like steel or aluminum mesh.
These are just some of the requirements for the BAL-29 rating, but additional regulations may apply based on your site and design specifics. Therefore, consult a professional designer or architect experienced in bushfire-prone areas to ensure compliance. Moreover, bushfire consultants can offer further guidance on construction standards.
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