Are Motorised Roller Shutters Suitable for Bushfire-Prone Australian Homes?
Bushfires are a very real concern for many Australian homeowners, particularly those living near bushland, grassland and heavily vegetated areas. Windows and doors can be vulnerable to radiant heat, flames and, especially, windborne embers. This is where properly specified motorised roller shutters can play an important role. However, not every roller shutter is suitable for bushfire protection. The right product needs to match the property's Bushfire Attack Level (BAL), construction requirements and installation conditions. Australian guidance states that bushfire shutters may be used to protect windows and doors, but they need to protect the complete assembly and meet the applicable BAL requirements. What Makes a Roller Shutter Suitable for Bushfire Protection? The first step is understanding your property's BAL. BAL ratings range from BAL-Low through BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40 and BAL-FZ, with increasing levels of radiant heat, ember attack and potential flame exposu...