Retractable Screens In Bushfire Areas
Homes near bushland often want airflow and insect control while meeting bushfire construction requirements. Metallic fixed screens are part of those requirements; while Artilux doesn’t supply them, we can recommend licensed trades to install compliant products.
But can you install retractable fly screens in a BAL-rated home?
Yes, you can install Artilux retractable screens on doors in homes assessed up to BAL-40, provided your home meets the required bushfire building standards. Artilux retractable screens are not bushfire-rated or fireproof and aren’t intended as bushfire protection; they’re treated as window furnishings —like blinds or curtains— delivering insect protection, comfort, ventilation and a clean, minimal look.
For an overview of the guidelines for screen installation on windows and doors according to each BAL Category, refer to the table below.
| BALCATEGORY | Window Requirements | External Doors, French and Bi -Fold Doors (Outward Opening) |
|---|---|---|
| BAL Low | No requirements – standard fly screens can be installed. | No requirements – Can install retractable screens, pleated screens and sliding screens. Can be standard fly wire. |
| BAL 12.5 | Openable 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 19 | Openable 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 29 | Openable 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 40 | Openable 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 FZ | Openable 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.