With the increase in frequency of bush fires and expansion of homes and other buildings into rural Australia, fire protection has never been more important. In many parts of Australia the construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings will be assessed as being in a bushfire area along with their level of risk, and given a Bal rating (bush fire attack level).
There are 6 recognized levels of ratings. The relevant Australian standard AS3959 provides the requirements built in these varied bushfire risk areas.
Bal Ratings (Lowest – Highest)
BAL
BAL 12.5
BAL 19
BAL 29
BAL 40
BAL FZ
For some applications, AS 3959 restricts the use of timber in any area greater than Bal 12.5 unless it is one of the following 6 recognized and approved bush fire resistant timbers:
Silvertop Ash
Red Ironbark
Blackbutt
River Redgum
Turpentine
Spotted Gum
Radial Timber Sales can provide a range of building products including shiplap and other wall claddings, decking and screenboards in Bush Fire resistant Silvertop Ash