Bushfire protection will be one of the major focus areas at the upcoming R+T Australia 2014 exhibition in Melbourne.

Given that bushfires leave large-scale devastation behind, new regulations and codes have recently been introduced by various authorities aimed at ensuring greater protection and minimising damage. The updated regulations outline various construction methods and materials that must be used depending on a building’s level of bushfire risk.

For example, all new buildings, as well as renovations including garages, carports and verandas that share a common roof with the building, must comply with these new rules. The new requirements include changes to the materials used for floors, walls, doors, roofs and windows. Windows designed to provide excellent fire safety will often provide increased energy efficiency as well.

The R+T Australia exhibition will have a strong focus on the latest regulatory requirements for bushfire protection, with a number of exhibitors highlighting some of the latest systems in addition to presentations and training sessions by industry experts.

To be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 21 August to 23 August, R+T Australia 2014 will showcase a wide range of external building systems such as roller shutters, awnings, doors and gates, windows, and sun protection systems.

John Shaw, principal technical advisor with the Victorian Building Authority will discuss the latest building standards for bushfire construction, while Brownwyn Foord, general manager of the Windows and Doors Industry Council (WADIC) will present bushfire product training sessions.

Both speakers will be presenting as part of R+T Australia 2014’s ExpeR+T Area program to be held along with the exhibition.

Entry to R+T Australia 2014 is free for all building industry professionals, and registration is now open.