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Peace of mind for Victorian Homeowners
Stegbar launches new performance tested range of bushfire rated windows and doors
October 2011
Leading Australian window and door manufacturer Stegbar is helping homeowners in Victoria living in bushfire zones take the anxiety out of summer with the launch of an extensively tested range of windows and doors that
meet and exceed all Australian standards and ratings for bushfire resistance.
In response to the tragic 2009 Black Saturday fires in Victoria, Australian Standard 3959 (AS3959) was updated
and the Building Code of Australia changed to reference the new standard in May 2010. The principal changes to AS3959 included new building and construction requirements for bushfire prone areas covering all aspects of the external built environment, including windows and doors. On September 8 this year new building regulations for construction in bushfire prone areas in Victoria were introduced, replacing interim regulations and including updated bushfire prone area maps for Victoria.
This means that most new homes in Victoria must meet AS3959 requirements and all new homes in bushfire prone areas must be built to a minimum Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of BAL 12.5 to ensure some protection from embers.
JELD-WEN Australia’s Director of Marketing Bruce Tosello said:
“For many Australians, choosing to build their home near or amongst bushland provides a peaceful and picturesque setting for most of the year. However, the ever present threat of bushfires in this country as we have all seen can quickly turn otherwise tranquil surroundings into lurking danger and a source of stress for homeowners.”
Stegbar’s new range combines innovative design with stringent construction controls and quality components and materials, all complying with AS3959 and Australian Standard 1530.8.1 (AS1530.8.1) specifications, and has been independently tested by the CSIRO.
Stegbar’s bushfire rated windows and doors come in both timber and aluminium construction, give homeowners some peace of mind against the threat of ember attack from bushfires, and eliminate the need for bulky shutters,
fire curtains or screens on fixed glazing.
“While our BAL40 performance tested range provides home owners both a timber and aluminium window and door solution for areas that carry this high BAL rating, our standard range of timber windows and doors have been tested
to meet the performance requirements in BAL12.5 and BAL19 areas,” said Bruce.
“This means that you don’t have to compromise on your aesthetic choice, and don’t have to pay a premium just because you choose to live in an area that has been designated a bushfire prone zone by the recent regulatory changes.”
To determine a home’s BAL rating and any special building requirements for in a particular area, builders and homeowners must consult their local council or local fire authority.
Once homeowners have their BAL rating, they can trust Stegbar to ensure their windows and doors meet all regulatory requirements for both bushfire and energy efficiency, while not compromising on aesthetics or functionality.
To find out more about bushfire planning and building in Victoria visit the Department of Planning and Community Development, http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/plansandpolicies/bushfire-planning-and-building.
Homeowners can find out more information about Stegbar’s bushfire rated windows and doors at http://www.stegbar.com.au/products/windows_and_doors/timber/bushfire-protection or call 1800 681 168
from anywhere in Victoria and be connected to their nearest Stegbar Display Centre.