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What Is The BAL Rating System?

Living in beautiful Australia comes with the reality of bushfire risk. Understanding your home's Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating is crucial for protecting your property and loved ones. 

This guide will help you navigate the BAL rating system, understand the AS 3959 requirements for security doors and screens, and make informed choices to enhance your home's bushfire safety. 

What are Bushfire Attack Levels?

Bushfire Attack Levels (BALs) are a way of measuring the potential severity of a bushfire attack on a building. They are used to assess the level of risk associated with a particular location and determine the appropriate construction requirements to protect buildings from bushfire threats. BAL ratings range from BAL LOW (lowest risk) to BAL FZ (highest risk), with each level representing a different intensity of potential bushfire attack.

Bushfires spreading towards homes

Understanding Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL)

So, how are BAL ratings worked out? BAL ratings are determined by qualified assessors who consider various factors, including:

  • Type and density of vegetation surrounding your property
  • Slope of the land can influence the speed and intensity of a bushfire
  • Distance of the building to bushland or other flammable vegetation
  • Historical fire weather patterns in the area.

The Six BAL Ratings Explained

Understanding your property's BAL rating is crucial for selecting appropriate security doors and screens that meet the necessary bushfire protection standards.

BAL LOW

This rating indicates a low risk of bushfire attack. Buildings in BAL LOW areas typically require minimal bushfire protection measures.

BAL 12.5 

This rating indicates a moderate risk of ember attack and a low risk of direct flame contact. Buildings in BAL 12.5 areas require some specific construction requirements, such as ember resistant vents and non combustible materials in certain areas.

BAL 19

This rating indicates a moderate risk of ember attack and a moderate risk of direct flame contact. Buildings in BAL 19 areas require additional construction measures, such as ember resistant windows and doors.

BAL 29

This rating indicates a high risk of ember attack and a high risk of direct flame contact. Buildings in BAL 29 areas require more stringent construction requirements, including the use of fire resistant materials and ember-proof construction methods.

BAL 40

This rating indicates a very high risk of ember attack and a very high risk of direct flame contact. Buildings in BAL 40 areas require even more stringent construction measures, including the use of non combustible materials for external walls and roofs.

BAL FZ 

This rating indicates a Flame Zone, the highest risk of direct flame contact. Buildings in BAL FZ areas require the most stringent construction measures, including the use of non combustible materials for all external elements and specific design features to protect against ember attack and radiant heat.

Fire danger rating sign showing the bushfire risk as high

BAL Ratings & Your Home's Security

Your home's BAL rating directly impacts the type of security doors and screens you need to install to ensure adequate bushfire protection. These elements act as the first line of defence against ember attacks and radiant heat, which can ignite flammable materials and compromise the structural integrity of your home.

In Australia, the construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas is governed by the Australian Standard 3959. This standard outlines specific requirements for various building elements, including security doors and screens, based on the BAL rating of the area. Compliance with AS 3959 is essential to ensure your home is adequately protected against bushfire threats.

Key requirements for BAL rated security doors and screens include:

  • The use of non combustible or fire resistant materials for frames, mesh, and hardware.
  • Screens and doors must be designed to prevent the entry of embers, which can ignite combustible materials inside the home.
  • Effective sealing around the edges of doors and screens to minimise the ingress of smoke and embers.
  • Use of appropriate hardware that can withstand high temperatures and maintain the integrity of the door or screen during a bushfire.
  • Products must be tested and certified to meet the relevant BAL rating requirements.

Choosing security doors and screens that comply with AS 3959 and your specific BAL rating is essential for ensuring the safety and security of your home in the event of a bushfire.

Choosing the Right Security Solutions for Your BAL Rating

Choosing the right security doors and screens for your home requires more than just meeting the minimum BAL rating requirements. It's crucial to consider factors like durability, functionality, and aesthetics to ensure your new security doors provide both protection and enhance your home's safety from bushfires.

For optimal protection in high risk BAL FZ zones, consider Amplimesh SupaScreen security doors, especially when paired with windows that have an FRL of at least -/30/- or comply with AS1530.8.2. These doors are a top choice in the market for their superior bushfire resistance. 

However, if your property falls within a lower Bushfire Attack Level area, Amplimesh IntrudaGuard and PrivacyGuard security doors offer a more budget friendly solution while still providing adequate protection up to BAL 29.

Moreton Bay Security Solutions is your trusted local partner in providing BAL compliant security solutions to safeguard your home against bushfire threats. For more information on improved bushfire protection, contact our friendly team on 1300 254 317 or complete our online enquiry form.

References:
BAL assessment – Bushfire best practice guide (csiro.au)
Windows and doors – Bushfire best practice guide (csiro.au)
AS 3959:2018 | Construction In Bushfire-prone Areas | SAI Global (intertekinform.com)
Security Screen Doors & Windows | Amplimesh