It’s no secret that many parts of Australia experience devastating bushfires every year. This means that locals building homes or commercial spaces in these areas should take significant precautions to ensure that their structures remain as safe as possible.
An important factor here involves the planning process when opting for the skylight installation Melbourne installers are offering. How will your skylights stand up to bushfires? Continue reading as we explore a few key points to consider when selecting skylights in fire-prone areas.
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Many homeowners are hesitant when it comes to installing skylights, especially if they live in bushfire-prone regions. There are a few significant reasons for this.
When you first hear about the potential risks associated with skylights in a fire-prone area, you may be wondering if installation is worth it. The good news is that there are a few factors that will help you understand how having the right installation done will reduce the overall risk.
You may be an avid DIYer who enjoys the challenge of installing a new project around your home. However, when it comes to skylights, it’s always recommended to use a professional and reputable skylight installer to have your skylights installed.
Doing this will ensure that quality products are installed, specially chosen by your installer for your area’s risk factor. In addition to this, an expert will have the skills and tools to install your skylight correctly.
One of the top tasks performed by an installer is to assess the average BAL reading for your area. Typically, the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is the Australian standard that assesses a building’s general fire risk. These risks often include the following:
The BAL measurement is designed to consider how these factors will
Affect surrounding buildings. This means knowing what damage fire will cause to your building materials. Factors worth considering here are listed as:
When it comes to skylights, they may look very similar, but it’s essential to know that aspects such as materials, type, and size all vary. Professional installers understand the risks and dangers associated with bushfires and flying embers. This means that they will often recommend one of two options to reduce the risk:
VELUX is a leading brand in the skylight industry, and with good reason. These high-performance skylights have been rigorously tested and approved for buildings in bushfire-prone areas up to BAL40. Therefore, VELUX skylights can withstand a heat flux of 40kW/m.
Solatube, another top option for custom skylights, can withstand readings from BAL-Low to BAL-29, which means they can withstand a heat flux of 29Kw/m. The gaps around Solatube skylights will be sealed at the roof to ensure there aren’t spaces greater than 3mm.
The Bushfire Attack Level is measured from minor to more severe readings. While not all houses may be in the immediate path of a bushfire, there’s always the high risk of flying embers. These can land on the roof, fly in through windows or even damage skylights.
The BAL measurement is determined by different readings which vary starting at low and go up to the more extreme BAL-FZ. These indexes are listed as:
The key to having safe and functional skylights is to opt for professional installation and quality products. Speak to your local skylight expert for the perfect skylight solution, no matter where you live!
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