Fire Protection - Bush Fire Screens

The Bushfire Threat

Australia suffered countless bushfires in 2019-20, where nearly 19 million hectares burnt and over 3,000 homes destroyed. Numerous regions have been affected over the years, including New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, meaning fire protection has never been more critical.

MicroLouvre® screens are the only whole window coverings that are A1/A2, BAL-40 and BAL-FZ regulation-compliant, blocking and minimising fire risks and controlling damage to residential properties, hotel buildings and hospitals. Our highly effective ember resistant mesh can be installed over doors windows, chimneys and more.

Why use MicroLouvre® as Bushfire Screens?

MicroLouvre® is completely recyclable and made from 90% recycled materials. Proven to last for over 60 years, and reducing air conditioning usage by 68%, this ember resistant mesh can deliver additional safety and enhance environmental measures. In areas particularly prone to bushfires, such as southern Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, having bushfire screens in place can provide protection throughout the danger periods.  

MicroLouvre® screens provide multi-functional window coverings that adhere to BAL-40 and BAL-FZ regulations, protecting against ember attacks and burning windborne debris during active bushfires in Australia, as well as decreasing heat and direct exposure to flames.

Ember Attack and Heat Attenuation

Our screens not only protect life and property from flying bushfire embers and direct fire exposure, but they also mitigate and diminish heat successfully. The screens work by absorbing and dissipating heat via the angled bronzed louvres, achieving industry-leading 49.4% attenuation rate. The MicroLouvre® Screens deliver protection against flying ember attacks and intense heat, while the innovative thin louvres provide unrivalled open area vision.

What makes Smart Louvre screens BAL compliant?

As the BAL risk increases, the level of fire-resistant materials also rises to deliver ample protection.

• BAL-Low – no requirements in terms of materials used.
• BAL-12.5 – requires a metal frame and aluminium mesh. At this level, the risk of ember attack is considered to be low.
• BAL-19 – requires a metal frame and aluminium mesh. There is a risk of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers, as well as a higher risk of exposure to radiant heat. At this level, the risk is considered to be moderate.
• BAL-29 – requires glass below 400mm from the ground to be screened, a metal frame and at least aluminium mesh, if not stronger materials. There’s a higher risk of ember attack and burning debris, as well as an increased likelihood of a higher level of radiant heat. At this level, the risk is considered to be high.
• BAL-40 and higher – requires the opening and fixed portions of all glass to be screened and mesh to be stainless steel. These screens must be fixed to windows and doors with metal fixtures. There’s a much higher risk of ember attack and burning debris, as well as a likelihood of a high level of radiant heat and a high chance of direct exposure to flames. At this level, the risk is considered to be very high.
• BAL-FZ – This is the highest risk of ember attack and burning debris caused by windborne embers, as well as posing a far higher risk of exposure to extreme radiant heat and direct exposure to flames. The level of risk is considered to be extreme.

Smartlouvre provide high quality, innovative screens to protect Australian residents and buildings from the high risks of damage and injury caused by bushfires. Call today for further information about our products.