Altair louvre windows fitted with CrimSafe woven stainless steel mesh screens have successfully passed bushfire testing (AS1530.8.1-2007) to BAL-29 bushfire conditions at the CSIRO.
By successfully passing the test, Altair louvre windows do not require bushfire shutters at BAL-29 to comply with the Australian Standard that governs windows used in the bushfire-prone areas of Australia (AS3959-2009).
The Infrastructure Technologies department of the CSIRO recently released their assessment of the likely performance of Breezway Easyscreen Altair louvre windows with alternate steel mesh screens.
The assessment observes that ‘the fire performance of the Breezway Altair louvre aluminium window assemblies reported in FSZ1572 would not be detrimentally affected when replacing the tested steel mesh screen by: Screenguard stainless steel security screen; Stainless View stainless steel security screen; Invisi-Gard stainless steel security screen; ForceField stainless steel security screen; Capral stainless steel security screen; or any screen constructed in accordance with Clause 7.5.1A of Australian Standard AS3959-2009.
Clause 7.5.1A of AS3959-2009 states that mesh or perforated screens must be made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium, have a maximum aperture size of 2mm, and incorporate a screen frame made of metal or bushfire-resisting timber. When installed, any gaps between the screen and the window frame must not exceed 3mm.
This means that even if a screen used on an Easyscreen window is not specifically named in the report, if that screen (and its installation) complies with Clause 7.5.1A of AS3959-2009, then the system (Easyscreen window + screen) will be compliant with the AS3959-2009 requirements for BAL-29 ratings.
The BAL-29 Bushfire Test Report and the CSIRO assessment of alternative steel mesh screens are available on the Breezway website.
