BlueScope Steel has released a new fact sheet on construction details for a range of residential roofing systems clad with Colorbond steel for those looking to build in bushfire risk areas.
It looks at sites determined to be Bushfire Attack Level - Flame Zone (BAL-FZ) under Australian Standard AS3959-2009 and is aimed at designers, builders, certifiers and homeowners.
Building sites assessed under AS3959-2009 as BAL-FZ are those sites considered to be most at risk of bushfire attack.
In this zone, there is an extremely high risk of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers as well as a likelihood of exposure to an extreme level of radiant heat and direct exposure to flames. This results in an extremely aggressive environment for all building materials.
The new resource contains construction details for various combinations of materials commonly utilised in roofing systems, including steel or timber roof trusses, steel or timber fascia and steel roof battens.
These systems have been assessed by a registered testing authority, Exova Warringtonfire, as being likely to achieve bushfire attack level BAL-FZ if tested in accordance with AS1530.8.2-2007 — the required test method under Australian Standard AS3959 for BAL-FZ sites.
The Australian Standard AS3959-2009: Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas specifies the requirements for the construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas in order to improve their resistance to bushfire attack from burning embers, radiant heat, flame contact as well as combinations of the three attack forms.
The objective of the Standard is to provide greater protection for occupants who may be sheltering in a building whilst the fire front passes and to increase the resilience of the building in bushfire-prone areas.
The company notes the new Fact Sheet relates only to the roofing system requirements of AS3959-2009 and should be used as a guide only.
For further information or to download a copy visit www.bluescopesteel.com.au/bushfiredesign
