RMAX has taken steps to see its External Insulated Finishing System (EIFS) products comply with the latest requirements for building and construction in bushfire zoned areas.

The recently introduced Australian Standard AS 3959-2009 has six risk levels (Bushfire Attack Levels – BAL), ranging from ember protection at the lowest level to direct flame contact protection at the highest.

After extensive testing by EXOVA Warringtonfire, a NATA accredited testing authority, the RMAX range of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), comprising ThermaWallPlus, Thermawall, ThermaSilver  and OrangeBoard have all been assessed as being BAL–29 compliant.

The BAL-29 rating covers increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux between 19 and 29 kW per sqm.

RMAX advise that prior to design being undertaken, architects and designers should ensure that an accurate BAL assessment has been undertaken to determine the best use of construction materials.