Building a house that needs to meet BAL19 standards and builder has factored that into their price, but like many things without detail on how specifically this will be met.
Have had a read of what this means, but like many things like this it is clear as mud.
So have a couple of questions.
Firstly does BAL standards apply to very door/window in the house, or just to those on the side that would be most likely under attack from fire? In my case the front of the house looks out to an open grass paddock so would be the likely location.
For windows one document I've seen says they must comply with one of the following options:
Option 1: Standard windows can be used provided they are completely protected by bushfire shutters
complying with AS3959:2009.
Option 2: Standard windows can be used provided they are completely protected by external metal
mesh screens with a maximum aperture of 2mm. Screen must be steel, bronze or aluminium wire.
Option 3: Windows must meet the following:
1. Where annealed glass is used, glass must be screened externally with metal screens with maximum
aperture of 2mm. (steel, bronze or aluminium)
2. If 5mm toughened glass used throughout, openings must be internally or externally screened with
metal screens with maximum aperture of 2mm. (steel, bronze or aluminium)
3. Exposed external hardware that supports the sash in its function of opening and closing to be
made from metal.
4. All glass within 400mm of ground or other structures within 18 degrees of horizontal (refer 4 Diagrams
pp.12-13) must be glazed in toughened safety glass minimum 5mm.
5. If windows are within 400mm of ground or other structures within 18 degrees
But what does this really mean in simple talk? What should I expect?
And doors it says:
Option 1: As per windows.
Option 2: As per windows.
Option 3: As per windows above 5mm Toughned Glass
1. Doors must be made of:
a. Non combustible; or
b. 35mm solid timber for the first 400mm above threshold; or
c. Have a non combustible kickplate on the outside for the first 400mm above the threshold;
or
d. A fully framed glazed door must be made from materials required by AS3959:2009 or a
timber species from p.14 & 15
2. Doors shall be tight fitting to the door frame
3. Weather strips, draught seals shall be installed at base of side hung external doors.
4. Hinged Doors are not required to be screened
So again what should I expect, bearing in mind the door that I have chosen is the Corinthian PMAD104.