THE 2010 Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the amended Australian Standard AS3959 — 2009 has now set in place new requirements for building and construction requirements affecting bushfire zoned areas. The new requirements address all aspects of the external built environment, including windows and doors.
To provide product solutions for these new requirements, Stegbar has developed a range of BAL 40 windows and doors, and in an industry first, Stegbar can provide a suite in Cedar that achieves a BAL 40 rating.
The 2010 BCA and AS3959-2009 have now been adopted by all states effective May 2010.
The amended Australian Standard AS 3959 outlines different construction practices and building materials for five new Bushfire Attack Levels (BALs). This standard applies to new buildings and renovations/extensions.
Stegbar, a JELD-WEN company, has been manufacturing aluminium and timber windows and doors for over 60 years in Australia.
“Australian homes need windows and doors that can stand up to harsh environmental forces, while being functional in terms of regulating temperature and light; and they need to achieve this without compromising the look of the home,” says Bruce Tosello, Director of Marketing for JELD-WEN Australia.
With this in mind, the Stegbar research and development team set about to develop a range of windows and doors that can offer ultimate peace-of- mind against bushfires, without the need for bulky shutters, fire curtains or screens on fixed glazing.
As a result, Stegbar has developed a range of windows and doors that has been extensively tested and meets BAL 40 (extreme) criteria.
“The BAL 40 rating was achieved on a purpose designed window and door system using specially designed frame components, glazing systems and specialist silicone seals. These systems comply with AS1530.8.1 testing criteria and were tested by the CSIRO,” commented Bruce.
“We are very excited to launch an industry first, the only cedar window and door system that has been tested and passed AS1530.8.1.”
Stegbar’s Cedar window and door system is the first cedar system in Australia to pass these tests. The innovation in design, stringent construction and quality of components and materials means Stegbar can provide Australia with the first fully certified BAL 40 cedar system.
As well as providing cedar options to BAL 40, Stegbar have systems available in aluminium and Merbau that achieve a rating of BAL 40. These systems comply with AS3959 and AS1530.8.1 testing criteria.
“There’s no need to compromise safety for style, you can have full confidence and peace-of-mind with Stegbar’s windows and doors, no matter where you build,” Bruce concluded.
