Retractable Screens In Bushfire Areas

Living in a bushfire prone area and working your way around the BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) building regulations can be daunting.

The reality is, most homes in severe bushfire prone areas are most in need of screens, because they are closer to bushland. Metallic fixed screens constitute a fundamental part of the regulation, and although Artilux does not supply these type of screens, we can certainly recommend a number of certified tradesmen that can do the job professionally.

The question is, can you install Retractable Fly Screens in a house that is on a BAL area?
Thankfully, yes we can install retractable screens on your doors (up to BAL 40). However, there are certain conditions that you need to meet.

As a general guide, please refer to the table below with the conditions for installing screens on windows and doors according to the BAL category.

BALCATEGORYWindow RequirementsExternal Doors, French and Bi -Fold Doors (Outward Opening)
BAL LowNo requirements – standard fly screens can be installed.No requirements – Can install retractable screens, pleated screens and sliding screens. Can be standard fly wire.
BAL 12.5Openable parts of the window to be screened with metal mesh with an aperture of 2 mm (steel, bronze or aluminium).Retractable or pleated screens can be mounted on the inside provided your door is non- combustible or is a fully glazed door, made from materials as required by AS3959.2009. Alternatively it must be fully screened with metal mesh with an aperture of 2 mm (steel, bronze or aluminium).
BAL 19Openable parts of the window to be screened with metal mesh with an aperture of 2 mm (steel, bronze or aluminium).Retractable or pleated screen can be mounted on the inside provided your door is non- combustible or is a fully glazed door, made from materials as required by AS3959.2009. Alternatively it must be fully screened with metal mesh with an aperture of 2 mm (steel, bronze or aluminium).
BAL 29Openable parts of the window to be screened with metal mesh with an aperture of 2 mm (steel, bronze or aluminium).Retractable or pleated screen can be mounted on the inside provided your door is non- combustible or is a fully glazed door, made from materials as required by AS3959.2009. Alternatively it must be fully screened with metal mesh with an aperture of 2 mm (steel, bronze or aluminium).
BAL 40Openable parts of the window to be screened with metal mesh with an aperture of 2 mm (steel or bronze only).Retractable or pleated screen can be mounted on the inside provided your door is fully glazed door and made from is non- combustible materials. Alternatively it must be fully screened with metal mesh with an aperture of 2 mm ( steel, bronze or aluminium).
BAL FZOpenable parts of the window to be screened with metal mesh with an aperture of 2 mm (steel or bronze only).Completely protected by a bushfire shutter compliant with AS3959.2009 or all door systems must comply with AS1530 & 2 when tested from the outside.

Disclaimer: The table above is an informative guide only. You should always consult with your builder and local council before making any decisions on screening in bushfire areas.