Buliding in Bushfire Prone Areas

The Australian government has responded to bushfires by introducing various legislative measures aimed at protecting people and property from bushfire hazards. In particular, there have been significant changes to legislation regarding building in bushfire-prone areas.

In 2009, the Australian Standard AS 3959 was updated to include six Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL), which classify the level of bushfire risk a property is likely to face. The higher the BAL level, the more stringent the building requirements become.

Overall, the Australian government has taken a proactive approach to bushfire safety, with legislation and programs designed to mitigate the risk of bushfires and protect communities from their impact.

The Importance of BAL40 Compliant Buliding Materials

Having BAL40 (Bushfire Attack Level 40) compliant building materials is crucial in Australia, especially in areas prone to bushfires. The Australian climate and topography make it vulnerable to bushfires, which can cause significant damage to properties and endanger human lives.

BAL40 is the second-highest level of bushfire attack, indicating that the building is likely to experience ember attack and high levels of radiant heat. Therefore, it is essential to use building materials that are resistant to fire, such as fire-rated windows, fire-resistant doors, and roofing materials that comply with the BAL40 standard. Using BAL40 compliant building materials can help minimize the risk of property damage and protect people from harm during a bushfire.

SUPAFLOOR and BAL40

Below are the six BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) levels.  The higher the BAL rating, the more stringent the construction requirements become, with a focus on using non-combustible building materials and ensuring adequate protection for windows, doors, and other external openings.

1. BAL Low
2. BAL 12.5
3. BAL 19
4. BAL 29
5. BAL 40: There is an increased risk of ember attack, burning debris ignited by windborne embers, and a likelihood of exposure to flames from the fire front, with increasing heat flux between 29 kW/m2 and 40 kW/m2.
6. BAL FZ

SUPABOARD, the non-combustible outer-skin component of SUPAFLOOR Subfloor Panels, has been tested and confirmed to comply with the stringent requirements of BAL40 for construction in bushfire-prone areas.

SUPAFLOOR Fire Resistant Properties

By having SUPABOARD as its outer layer, SUPAFLOOR subfloor panels are engineered to be fire-resistant, making them a popular choice for buildings and structures where fire safety is a primary concern. Here are some properties that make these composite floor panels appealing for fire-resistant subflooring:

Low Thermal Conductivity: SUPAFLOOR panels have a low thermal conductivity, which means that they are not good conductors of heat. This property helps to prevent heat transfer and limits the spread of fire.

Self-Extinguishing Properties: SUPAFLOOR floor panels have self-extinguishing properties, which means that they stop burning when the source of the fire is removed. This helps to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas of the building.

In summary, SUPAFLOOR floor panels are engineered to be fire-resistant by having low thermal conductivity and self-extinguishing properties thanks to the non-combustible outer layer made up of SUPABOARD.

Easy to Install: SUPAFLOOR floor panels are easy to install and require no maintenance, making them a cost-effective and practical solution for fire-resistant flooring.

What makes SUPAFLOOR BAL40 Compliant?

SUPAFLOOR subfloor panels are a trusted building material that have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their fire-resistant properties, strength, and durability. When it comes to complying with BAL40 requirements, not all subfloor systems are created equal. Here are some key features that ensure SUPAFLOOR panels comply with BAL40:

Non-Combustible: To comply with BAL40, the outer layer of SUPAFLOOR is made up of SUPABOARD, which is non-combustible, meaning that it does not ignite, burn, or contribute significantly to the spread of a fire.

Tested and Certified: The SUPABOARD skin is tested and certified to comply with AS1530.8.1 as a non-combustible material, which is part of the Australian Standards for fire testing of building materials.

Installation: SUPAFLOOR panels must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and any relevant building codes or standards.

SUPAFLOOR subfloor panels are a trusted building material that have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their fire-resistant properties, strength, and durability.

It is also important to note that the overall design and construction of the building, including the use of appropriate cladding and other building materials, must be considered to ensure that the building is safe and compliant with all relevant building codes and standards.

SUPAFLOOR panels that comply with BAL40 are available from BUILDITECO and a selection of nation-wide distributors. It is recommended to consult with a qualified builder or engineer to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and requirements.

Use SUPAFLOOR For Your Subfloors

SUPAFLOOR is a fire-resistant substrate flooring board and has become an increasingly popular choice for builders and architects due to its exceptional fire resistance properties. This board has undergone extensive testing to AS1530.1, and has been shown to be non-combustible, providing peace of mind for those living in bushfire-prone areas.

The unique combination of this particle board and its magnesium oxide skins make these boards highly durable and long-lasting, with exceptional resistance to water, mould, and termites. SUPAFLOOR is also environmentally friendly, as it is made from natural materials, with no harmful chemicals or substances.

One of the most significant benefits of SUPAFLOOR substrate flooring board is its fire resistance. In testing to AS1530.1, this board has demonstrated exceptional fire resistance properties, with no flame spread or smoke development. This means that in the event of a fire, SUPAFLOOR will not contribute to the spread of flames, protecting the building and its occupants.

SUPAFLOOR can be used for a wide range of flooring applications, including in high traffic areas, wet areas, and in commercial and residential buildings.

The non-combustible nature of the outer skin call SUPABOARD is particularly important in bushfire-prone areas, where the risk of fire is high. Builders and homeowners can feel confident that their property is adequately protected with these panels, which meet the highest standards for fire safety.

In addition to their fire resistance properties, these boards are also easy to install, with a tongue and groove system that allows for quick and efficient installation. They can be used for a wide range of flooring applications, including in high traffic areas, wet areas, and in commercial and residential buildings.

Overall, SUPAFLOOR subfloor flooring boards offer exceptional fire resistance properties, durability, and ease of installation. They are an excellent choice for builders and homeowners looking for a high-quality flooring solution that meets the highest standards for fire safety.

Written by Matthew De Pledge