Old bushfire reg requirements (builders)

**Vern** · 6th May 2010, 07:41 PM

Got a question for the builders on here in regaurds to the OLD bal's. We are just finishing our house off and the inspecter tells us we need to have flywire screens on all our doors (front door aswell

) with metal screens.
Now question is why? windows i can understand, if you leave a window open the screens can catch the embers, (they'll do f all being aluminium fly screen), but doors, who leaves a f'ing door open.
We have all timber doors and windows and alot of exposed timber, so i really don't see the point to it.
Bare in mind that we got our permits before black saturday so comply to old permit codes (and we're in Vic)
Theres a note on our plans that says all opening windows to have screens, but no mention on the doors.
So does anyone have a copy of the old regs?
We are zoned level 1.
Ta

**rovercare** · 6th May 2010, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Vern

Got a question for the builders on here in regaurds to the OLD bal's. We are just finishing our house off and the inspecter tells us we need to have flywire screens on all our doors (front door aswell

) with metal screens.
Now question is why? windows i can understand, if you leave a window open the screens can catch the embers, (they'll do f all being aluminium fly screen), but doors, who leaves a f'ing door open.
We have all timber doors and windows and alot of exposed timber, so i really don't see the point to it.
Bare in mind that we got our permits before black saturday so comply to old permit codes (and we're in Vic)
Theres a note on our plans that says all opening windows to have screens, but no mention on the doors.
So does anyone have a copy of the old regs?
We are zoned level 1.
Ta

I'm guessing fitting flywires to the doors will cost a few to many bob, just to keep the inspector happy?

Stupid councils

**one_iota** · 7th May 2010, 11:06 AM

You probably won't like this.

What version of the BCA is your Construction Certificate tied to?

This is what the BCA 2009 (came into effect May 2009) required:

EXTERNAL DOORS

1.Medium bushfire attack category

External doors must be fitted with—(a)weather strips or draught excluders to prevent the build-up of burning debris beneath the door; and(b)tight-fitting screen doors with corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium mesh with a maximum aperture size of 1.8 mm.

2.High bushfire attack category

As per requirements for category of medium bushfire attack, except that—(a)aluminium mesh must not be used in the screen door; and(b)if leadlight glazing panels are used in the door, they must be protected by shutters made from non-combustible material or of toughened glass.

3.Extreme bushfire attack category

As per requirements for category of high bushfire attack, except that—(a)timber doors must be fire-retardant-treated timber or have a non-combustible covering on the exterior surface; or(b)doors must be protected by non-combustible shutters; or(c)doors must be solid-core having a minimum thickness of 35 mm.

The 2008 BCA had the same requirement.

It has been superceded by 2010 version but only a few days ago.

**Bushie** · 7th May 2010, 04:50 PM

AS3959-1999 -Construction in Bush fire prone areas which was the version in use prior to May 1 (NSW) and some earlier date in Vic (around May/June 2009 IIRC) calls for screens on all doors/windows. There was some relaxation for self closing doors.

.

....................doors, who leaves a f'ing door open

Unfortunately plenty of people when they bale out in front of a bushfire (and not necessarily one like black saturday). Over the years I entered plenty of open houses whilst fighting bush fires, that the resident has fled leaving doors windows etc. open.

After this we were directed into I think, Berwick place, by residents. There a fence and garden shed of a house was alight this fire was extinguished. The house was open so we entered, closed all the windows and doors and left a note indicating we had entered this particular premises.

.... from my statement to police in 1997 re fires at Menai.

We have all timber doors and windows and alot of exposed timber, so i really don't see the point to it.

If you have plenty of exposed timber then you are obviously not at the higher BALs. Once you are away from the fire a bit then timber generally only ignites from an accumulation of embers against it, or if you are closer, piloted ignition may take place, on generally flat surfaces such as sills, decks etc.

Martyn

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