No1 Roofing & Building SuppliesNo1 Roofing & Building Supplies

CONTACT US - 02 9970 8359
  • TRADE ACCOUNTS
    • ACCOUNT LOGIN
    • ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
  • BUY ONLINE
  • BRANCH LOCATIONS
    • NORTH NARRABEEN
    • MONA VALE
    • SEVEN HILLS
    • PRESTONS
    • PENRITH
    • REGENTS PARK
    • CARINGBAH
    • CENTRAL COAST
    • BERESFIELD
    • MID NORTH COAST
  • BLOG
  • PROJECTS
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT US
  • BROCHURES
    • VELUX
    • ACE GUTTERS
    • BRADFORD
      • BUSHFIRE ROOFING SYSTEM DESIGN
    • CEILINK
    • E-BATTEN ROOF BATTENS
    • INSULCLAD
    • SKYVENT
  • HOME
  • ROOFING
    • METAL ROOFING
      • ZINCALUME
      • COLORBOND
      • CORRUGATED IRON
      • LYSAGHT CUSTOM ORB®
      • LYSAGHT FLATDEK®
      • LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® 700
      • LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® 406
      • LYSAGHT LONGLINE® 305
      • LYSAGHT SPANDEK®
      • LYSAGHT TRIM-KLIP®
      • LYSAGHT TRIMDEK®
      • STRAMIT MONOCLAD®
      • STRAMIT SPEED DECK®
      • STRAMIT® LONGSPAN
    • FLASHING
      • BARGES
      • RIDGES
      • VALLEYS
      • APRONS
      • FAST FLASH
      • BOX GUTTERS
      • RAINWATER HEADS
      • SUMPS
      • LOUVERS
      • CUSTOM
    • TRANSLUCENT
      • POLYCARBONATE
      • TWINWALL / MULTIWALL
      • FIBREGLASS
      • CORRUGATED / GRECA
      • ACCESSORIES
    • TILE ROOFING
      • ROOF TILES
      • SLATE TILES
      • VALLEY BOARDS
      • ROOF BATTENS
      • TILE POINTING
      • BUSH SAND
      • CEMENT
      • VERGE STRIPS
      • ANTI PONDING BOARDS
      • FLAT HEAD NAILS
      • TILE CUTTERS
      • FRAMING NAILS
      • TROWELS
      • LEAD FLASHING
      • ROOF SARKING
  • ARCHITECTURAL PANELS
    • GENESIS™ STANDING SEAM
    • SNAP-LINE 45®
    • EXPRESSION™ INTERLOCKING PANELS
    • URBANE™ NAIL STRIP
    • ECLIPSE™ SNAP LOCK
    • SAVANNA™ FLAT LOCK
    • READY SLATE TILES
    • S-5 CLAMPS
    • TOOLS
  • CLADDING
    • WALL CLADDING
      • SNAP LOCK
      • NAIL STRIP
      • STANDING SEAM
      • SNAP-LINE 45®
      • SAVANNA™ FLAT LOCK
      • READYSLATE®
      • LYSAGHT EASYCLAD 2PF300®
      • LYSAGHT PANELRIB®
      • LYSAGHT MINI ORB®
      • LYSAGHT TRIMDEK®
    • WALL CLADDING
      • STRAMIT K-PANEL
      • STRAMIT MINIRIB
      • STRAMIT MINI CORRY
      • CORTEN CLADDING
      • CORRUGATED
      • FIBRE CEMENT
      • GYPROCK
      • VILLABOARD
      • ACCESSORIES
    • FENCING
      • LYSAGHT SPANSCREEN®
      • LYSAGHT MINISCREEN®
      • LYSAGHT MANDALAY SLAT®
      • LYSAGHT SMARTASCREEN®
      • LYSAGHT NEETSCREEN®
    • FENCING
      • COLORBOND
      • ALLUMINIUM
      • LYSAGHT
      • KNOTWOOD
  • SKYLIGHTS
    • BRANDS
      • VELUX
      • KEYLITE
      • SKYDOME
      • NATURAL LIGHTING
      • SOLATUBE
      • SKYSPAN
      • REGENT
    • SKYLIGHTS
      • FIXED
      • OPENING
      • ELECTRIC
      • MANUAL
      • SOLAR POWERED
      • DOMES
    • ACCESSORIES
      • SKYLIGHT BLINDS
      • POLE ADAPTOR & RODS
      • CONTROL SYSTEMS
      • INSECT BLINDS
      • SKYLIGHT FLASHINGS
    • SKYLIGHT TUBES
      • RIDGID
      • FLEXIBLE
      • TUBELIGHTS
      • SUN TUNNELS
      • SOLATUBES
  • BUILDING
    • INSULATION
      • INSULATION BATTS
      • INSULATION BLANKETS
      • ANTICON INSULATION
      • EARTHWOOL INSULATION
      • PERMASTOP INSULATION
      • EXPOL INSULATION
      • INSULATION MESH
      • SAFETY MESH
    • HOME IMPROVEMENTS
      • ATTIC LADDERS
      • INSULATED PANELS
      • FIRMLOK BEAMS
      • FLATDEK PATIO ROOFING
      • BOXSPAN BEAMS
      • TITAN ROLLER DOORS
    • FASTENERS AND SEALANTS
      • NAILS
      • SCREWS
      • ROOFING SCREWS
      • ADHESIVES
      • NUTS & BOLTS
      • NYLON ANCHORS
      • DYNABOLTS
      • ROOF ANCHOR POINTS
      • SILICON SEALANTS
      • POLYURETHANE SEALANTS
      • MODIFIED POLYMER
      • WATERPROOFING
    • SHIELDCOAT PAINT
      • ROOFING PAINT
    • ROOF VENTILATION
      • RAPID RIDGE
      • SOLAR VENTS
      • VENT-A-ROOF
      • WHIRLYBIRDS
    • S-5 ROOF MOUNTING BRACKETS
      • BUY S-5 CLAMPS ONLINE
      • S-5 BRACKETS & CLAMPS
      • S-5 – AIR CON / HVAC
      • S-5 – CORRUGATED ROOFS
      • S-5 – SOLAR PANELS
      • S-5 – STANDING SEAM
    • TIMBER & FLOORING
      • LAMINATED BEAMS
      • FRAMING TIMBER
      • ROOF BATTENS
      • TREATED PINE
      • OREGON TIMBER
      • DECKING TIMBER
      • TONGUE & GROOVE
      • PLYWOOD SHEETS
      • STRUCTAFLOR FLOORING
      • FIBRE CEMENT SHEETS
      • DOORS
  • RAINWATER
    • GUTTERING BRANDS
      • ACE GUTTERS
      • LYSAGHT GUTTERS
      • STRAMIT GUTTERS
      • ABC SEAMLESS GUTTERS
    • GUTTERING
      • QUAD GUTTER
      • HALF ROUND
      • OGEE GUTTER
      • SQUARE GUTTER
      • FASCIA GUTTER
    • DOWNPIPES
      • SQUARE DOWNPIPE
      • ROUND DOWNPIPE
      • STRAMIT DOWNPIPES
      • LYSAGHT DOWNPIPES
  • WATERPROOFING
    • APPLICATIONS
      • BALCONIES & TERRACES
      • BATHROOMS & SHOWERS
      • CONCRETE
      • FLOORS
      • FORMWORK
      • FOUNDATIONS
      • POOLS & WATER TANKS
      • ROOFS
      • WALL & FLOOR TILES
      • WALLS
    • WATERPROOFING BRANDS
      • BOSTIK
      • DRIZORO
      • GRIPSET
      • SOUDAL
    • MEMBRANE TYPES
      • BITUMEN
      • CEMENT
      • LIQUID
      • RUBBER
      • SHEET
  • SAFETY
    • FALL ARREST SYSTEMS
    • HEIGHT SAFETY EQUIPMENT
    • DESIGN & PLANNING
    • SAFETY PRODUCTS
    • ROOF ANCHORS
    • SAFETY LIFELINES
    • LADDER SOLUTIONS
    • SAFETY EQUIPMENT TOOLS
  • SHOP ONLINE
    • ALL PRODUCTS
    • BRANDS
      • ANKAME
      • BOSTIK
      • BUSCHMANN
      • DEKS
      • DRIZORO
      • EDMA
      • GRIPSET
      • GRIPSTAR
      • KEYLITE
      • MAGNETIC
      • MIDWEST
      • OX
      • PRIME GRIP
      • S-5
      • SAFETYLINK
      • SHIELDCOAT
      • SOUDAL
      • VELUX
      • WAKAFLEX
    • SAFETY
      • LADDER SOLUTIONS
      • LIFELINES
      • ROOF ANCHORS
      • TOOLS
    • ROOF CLAMPS
      • AIR CON / HVAC
      • BRACKETS
      • CLAMPS
      • CORRUGATED BRACKETS
      • SOLAR CLAMP SYSTEM
    • ROOFING PAINT
    • SKYLIGHTS
      • FLAT ROOF
        • FIXED
        • MANUAL
      • PITCHED ROOF
        • FIXED
        • MANUAL
        • ELECTRIC
      • ROOF WINDOWS
      • SKYLIGHT BLINDS
      • SKYLIGHT FLASHING
      • SUN TUNNELS
    • WATERPROOFNG
      • BALCONIES & TERRACES
      • BATHROOMS & SHOWERS
      • CONCRETE
      • FLOORS
      • FORMWORK
      • FOUNDATIONS
      • MEMBRANES
      • POOLS & WATER TANKS
      • ROOFS
      • SEALANTS
      • WALLS
      • WALL & FLOOR TILES
    • CLOTHING
      • SAFETY HARNESS
      • MAGNETIC SHOES
      • GRIP SOCKS
    • HAND TOOLS
    • FLASHING
  • No products in cart.
Free
Quote
  • Home
  • Roofing News and Information
  • Blog
  • BAL FZ – What Is It & What You Need To Do About It?
BAL Flame Zone & Building Code Requirements
16
Thursday, 03 August 2017 / Published in Blog, Building Supplies, Roofing

BAL FZ – What Is It & What You Need To Do About It?

Bush fire—two simple words that are guaranteed to raise your stress levels and your insurance premiums.

Although Australians have never taken bushfires lightly the forecast is that bushfire intensity and frequency are only going to get worse.

The Australian Building Code has always acknowledged the serious financial and social cost of extreme bushfire events and it attempts to reduce their impact through legislation governing building design and materials.

The new BAL FZ (Bushfire Attack Level Flame Zone) is the most extreme rating that can be applied to building design and construction.

BAL FZ is now applicable to wide swathes of NSW including a large number of North Shore and Northern Beaches suburbs.

COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION IN BUSH FIRE-PRONE AREAS

Why Is BAL FZ Needed?

The devastating 2009 bushfires in Victoria led to a complete re-think of the old bushfire standards.

The new BAL FZ is the most extreme level in the revised bushfire attack standards and represents how successfully particular building materials will withstand bushfires in regards to ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame ignition resistance.

The sad reality is bushfire incidents are increasing in intensity and the social and financial costs are spiralling out of control.

A 2016 Climate Council report stated that bushfires currently cost the NSW region around $100 million dollars each year and this is forecast to rise to $800 million by 2050.

The social cost comes through loss of life and injuries, and the upheaval and dislocation that are a natural result of severe bushfire events.

For most homeowners the increased building and insurance costs associated with meeting code compliant new builds and DIY projects or renovations means that you need to do your homework before you start any building project.

Bush Fire Danger Ratings

What Does BAL FZ Mean For Me?

If you are building in a bushfire zone that requires BAL FZ compliance you need to use BAL FZ compliant materials.

This requirement also has implications for your insurance cover, as insurance companies will take a dim view of claims for fire damaged new builds that do not comply.

Although the updated requirements are more stringent the code does provide for choice. The BAL FZ essentials for windows and external doors including sliding, French and bi-fold doors are either:

1. All open able portions need to be internally or externally screened with metal (steel or bronze) screens with a maximum aperture of 2mm

or

2. The window or door system must comply with AS1520.8.2 when tested from the outside and have an FRL of at least -/30/-. FRL (Fire Resistance Level) -/30/- indicates that the integrity of the window will remain intact for 30 minutes of exposure to fire.

BAL FZ requirements for more substantial parts of a building including walls, decking, roofing, and exposed floors mean that combustible materials are not permitted in these areas.

This does mean that your building costs may be significantly higher but you don’t have to build an ugly Fort Knox to comply with the code.

Many traditional non-combustible building materials such as stone, brick and mud brick still comply with the BAL FZ code. Essentially, if you can’t burn it it’s probably going to be alright.

COLORBOND® steel clad roofing system construction

COLORBOND® Steel Clad Roofing System

Roofing for BAL FZ - What Are Some Good BAL FZ Rated Roofing Materials?

Roofs and roof insulation need to meet or exceed an FRL of 30/30/30 for BAL FZ compliance.

Colorbond or Zincalume steel roofing panels remain an excellent choice for your BAL FZ compliant roof. Bradford’s Anticon is a high-performance foil-faced insulation blanket that will reduce heat transfer significantly and is rated as compliant with BAL FZ requirements.

The eaves are a potential danger zone especially where fire has taken hold of vegetation close to the house.

For this reason a fireproof insulation material such as Anticon 80 compressed to 40mm should be used in the eaves. The underside of the eaves should be further protected by a fireproof material such as HardieFlex.

Bradford Fireseal FZ is a rock wool fire resistant roof insulation that will help prevent embers or flames taking hold in the roof space and these are appropriate for metal or tile roofs in BAL FZ zones.

For tile roofs you will need Bradford’s Thermoseal Roof Tile sarking, Flexitel blanket, and Fireseal FZ tile roof batts.

And you cannot install roof-mounted evaporator cooling units in BAL FZ zone unless they have been tested and meet the requirements of AS1530.8.1.

Non-compliant units must be fitted with an approved ember protection screen or in the case of a flammable cooler unit, completely covered with a non-combustible cover.

Bradford Anticon

Cladding for BAL FZ - What Are Some Good BAL FZ Rated Cladding Materials?

James Hardie offers a number of cladding options that will satisfy the BAL FZ requirements and provide an attractive appearance including: 

  • HardiePlank and Primeline for a traditional weather board look 
  • Scyon range of advanced fibre cement composite cladding panels 
  • Panel Clad pre-textured sheets for a Mediterranean stucco finish or a rough hewn timber look 
  • HardieTex—the original fibre cement cladding for a smart modern look 
  • HardieFlex—perfect for lining the eaves

HardieFire mineral wool insulation is a great choice for insulating walls but as with any product it must be installed to correctly to meet the code’s requirements.

HardieFire insulation must be cut to at least 5mm wider and longer than the space between each frame cavity. This ensures there are no spaces where oxygen can feed any potential fire.

Decking & Flooring for BAL FZ - What Do I Need?

To meet the BAL FZ requirements decking must be made of non-combustible material and have no gaps. This also means that the decking/flooring supports must either be non-combustible (steel or concrete) having an FRL of at least 30/30/30 or be fully enclosed.

Many of the fibre cement type panels are ideal for decking and floors too.

The Hardie fibre cement range such as the Scyon Secura exterior panels offer great options for any deck.

Not only are they inflammable but they have remarkable weight bearing strength characteristics as well. Scyon Secura functions as a great substrate for tiles or other flooring finishes.

Can I Still Use Timber Products?

Yes, in accordance with BAL FZ requirements you can still use timber products but only specific types of timber and only in particular situations.

External window framing is considered inconsequential and timber may be used where the timber density is higher than 650 kg/m and with a moisture content of less than 12%.

This includes but is not limited to hardwood species such as: 

  • White Cyprus
  • Ash (Alpine, Mountain, Silvertop)
  • Beech Myrtle
  • Gum (Southern Blue, Mountain, Sugar)
  • Jarrah
  • Ironbark (grey, red)
  • Mahogany
  • Celery top pine

Wood may be used in other features of your house such as fascia boards.

Don’t forget, you do need to have ember proof metal shutters that completely cover all externally opening non-compliant wooden windows or doors.

Are Sealants Covered By The BAL FZ Code?

Yes, because many sealants and adhesives contain potentially flammable compounds.

Compliance also requires the use of fire rated sealants because embers and super heated air can bypass fire rated barriers through poorly designed or constructed wall penetrations and trigger fires inside roof or wall cavities.

We stock a wide range of fire rated sealants and adhesives including: 

  • Bostik Fireban One sealant 
  • Selleys Fireblock 
  • Sika Fire rate PU—an external, fire-rated sealant that retains its flexibility and watertightness in all weathers

The products mentioned in this guide are just some examples to get your creative juices flowing. We can supply an enormous range of products appropriate for your needs so come and talk to the friendly experts at No1. Roofing and Building Supplies and let us help you realise your vision.

Please be aware that this is a guide only and you need to seek professional advice and check your intended design complies with Council and code requirements before you go ahead with any building project.

What Do The BAL Zones Mean?

BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL (BAL)

DESCRIPTION OF PREDICTED BUSHFIRE ATTACK AND LEVELS OF EXPOSURE

BAL – Low

There is not sufficient risk to warrant exposure

BAL – 12.5

Ember attack

BAL – 19

Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by wind borne embers togetherwith increasing heat flux between 12.5 and 19kW/m2

BAL – 29

Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by wind borne embers togetherwith increasing heat flux between 19 and 29kW/m2

BAL – 40

Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by wind borne embers togetherwith increasing heat flux with the increased likelihood of exposure to flames

BAL – FZ

Direct exposure to flames from fire front in addition to heat flux and ember attack



Helpful BAL FZ Links and Information

HIA

Housing Industry Australia article on building in bushfire prone areas.

https://hia.com.au/BusinessInfo/StandardsRegulations/Building-in-bushfire-prone-areas

Rural Fire Services

This fact sheet clarifies the requirements of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) for combustible construction in Bush Fire Attack Level 40 and Flame Zone (BAL-40 and BAL-FZ) areas.

http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/57821/flaming-final-20170619.pdf

Bluescope Steel

Bluescope Steel article on Bushfire Design Factsheet for Bushfire standard compliant steel roofing system

http://www.bluescopesteel.com.au/tools-and-resources/bushfire-design

Helpful BAL FZ Downloads

Bluescope Steel fact sheet with details for bushfire-prone AS3959-2009 BAL-FZ sites

Bushfire Fact Sheet - Bluescope Steel

Attribution:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-08/cost-of-bushfires-in-nsw-act-to-double-by-2050-report-finds/8101252

Tagged under: bal fz, bal fz cladding, bal fz construction, bal fz decking, bal fz requirements, bal fz roof, bal fz roofing, north shore firezone, northern beaches fire zone

What you can read next

Replacing your concrete tiled roof with a Colorbond Metal Roof
Replace Tile Roof With Colorbond, Which Is Better?
Ridge Capping, Colorbond, Zincalume, Galvanised and Polycarbonate
Roof Ridge Capping – A Critical Aspect of Any Well-Sealed Roof
Spantec Boxspan
Spantec Boxspan

FEATURED PRODUCTS

  • Spantec Boxspan Spantec Boxspan - Roofing Frames
  • Spantec Boxspan Spantec Boxspan - Subframe Flooring
  • Safetylink Templink 5000 SafetyLink Templink 5000 - Temporary Roof Anchor $297.00
  • Velux Interface Unit KLF 200 VELUX Interface Unit $545.00

Categories

  • Architectural Panels
  • Blog
  • Building Supplies
  • Colorbond
  • Online Store
  • Roofing
  • Safety
  • Skylights
  • Standing Seam

Recent Posts

  • Temporary Roof Anchors SafetyLink TempLink 5000

    Safety Link Templink 5000

  • Spantec Boxspan

    Spantec Boxspan

  • Slate Roof Tiles

  • Covered outdoor living spaces for Australian Backyards

    Covered Outdoor Living Space

  • The Lacket

    The Lacket – Safety Roof Ladder Bracket

OUR COMPANY

  • ABOUT US
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  • SKIP BINS TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • RATINGS & REVIEWS
  • COVID-19 – CUSTOMER UPDATE
eWAY Payment Gateway

ONLINE STORE

  • STORE
  • CART
  • CHECKOUT
  • DELIVERIES
  • RETURNS
  • PAYMENTS

BLOG

  • Attic Conversions
  • S-5! Roof Clamps & Brackets
  • Building to BAL 40 Standard
  • How Much Does a Skylight Cost?
  • Fast Flash Roofing Flashing
  • Roof Anchor Points
  • Waterproofing Membranes

FOLLOW US

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Stop Spam Mail | © 2021 No1 Roofing and Building Supplies | ABN 54 102 699 972 | MBA | Smart Web Solutions
TOP No1 Roofing & Building Supplies