Three reasons for giving your windows bushfire protection

16 July 2020
 Categories: , Blog

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Bushfires are an all-too-common occurrence in Australia, and you may be wondering whether you should improve your home to make it more resilient in the event of such a disaster. Here are some reasons why you should consider making your windows more resistant to bushfires.

Safety

Most obviously, bushfire windows offer greater protection to you and your family. Your home is at risk not just from the raging temperatures of the fire front itself but also from burning embers that can come through the air. Anywhere that such embers can enter your home is a fire risk. Fortunately, there are many options to protect your home, depending on the level of risk. Windows can be fitted with bushfire-proof shutters, fitted with an external mesh, made from toughened glass or given fireproof frames. What options you go for will depend on the exact threat level, but once the work is done, you will know that you have taken the right steps to protect yourself and your family.

Legal

You may also need to comply with Australia-wide bushfire building regulations. Under these rules, any new building or renovation must be assessed and given a Bushfire Attack Level. Although you can make this assessment yourself, it will need to be confirmed by a building surveyor. You will then need to ensure that any new building conforms to the threat level. There are strict rules for how much protection your windows will need, and you will be in breach of the building regulations if you do not observe them. If you are in any doubt, you should check with your builder or local council that your protection is strong enough.

Economic

You should also bear in mind that bushfire protection for your windows will increase your house price. You may not be intending to move for some time, but sooner or later you may need to sell your house, and the new buyer will have to think about upgrading for bushfire protection themselves. If your windows are already compliant with the regulations and are strong enough to protect the occupants, you will be saving the new owners the work, which will have a positive impact on the price they are prepared to pay.

Bushfire windows are a vital part of keeping your family safe from wildfires. To make sure you have the right level of protection for your home, just talk to your local builder.