Which Security Screens are Best for Bushfire Prone Areas?

Did you know that security screens can help to protect your home from bushfire damage? If you live in an area that is considered at risk for bushfires you should be considering the defensive elements that you can put in your home to minimise potential damage. As doors and windows are vulnerable entry points, getting a security screen installed that is specifically designed to shield against fire is one of the most effective actions you can take.

If there’s anything Australia’s known best for it, it’s our weather. Summer’s when it really puts on a show – cloudless skies, endless strips of beaches, crystal-clear oceans. For the million and one positives about summertime, there is one haunting negative – it’s also our bushfire season. The dry and hot climate, as mentioned above, contributes to a high-risk bushfire environment, especially in wooded or grassland areas.

What type of security screen should I get?

You want to get a door installed that offers bushfire-specific protections, as well as the standard security against a potential burglar. Jim’s Security Door Melbourne offers the best range of security doors, although the recommended one for bushfire-prone areas would be their premium ScreenGuard model. ScreenGuard is made from 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh, seated in a lightweight and corrosion-free aluminum frame. As with all of Jim’s doors, it has been rigorously tested and meets Australian Standard Regulations for security doors, which means it holds up against a series of simulated forced entry techniques. All ScreenGuard model’s come with a 10-year warranty, although regular care and maintenance will likely see them lasting as long as your house does.

As for the bushfire protection features, households should purchase the Bushfire Rated version of the ScreenGuard model, which has been tested according to the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) 40.

What is BAL 40?

The BAL rating system is a testing method that tests your home or features of your home – such as a Security doors – against a simulated set of consequences that occur due to a bushfire. The evaluation includes levels of ember attacks, direct flame contact and rising temperature. The testing process slowly raises the radiant heat level to see if your security feature can withstand it. At a BAL 40 level, which is the second-highest level it can reach. At BAL 40, the ScreenGuard door can withstand high levels of windborne ember attacks and burning debris, elevated risk of flame exposure, and radiant heat up to 40kW/m².

What about windows?

Windows are made of glass, which can withstand average hot summer temperatures. However, they are no match against the heat from bushfires – the temperature of the flames can soar above 1000°C. There are additional summer day benefits for these, too – on hot days, you can have your window open, but your screen closed, enjoy the fresh flowing breeze and keep the flies out! Your windows are just as vulnerable, if not more, than your front door and thus need to be protected in the same way by having a security screen installed.

Will this be effective in an emergency?

You need to ensure that any security screen on your window is the ScreenGuard Access Fire Escape System. This model features an in-built quick-release latching system that is easy enough for children and adults alike to use. Once open, the easy access friction hinges are self-supporting and stay open while your household can make an easy escape through the window. As with the ScreenGuard door, it has a BAL 40 rating and is designed to shield against floating embers.

You don’t want to have a door or window installed that has a complicated locking system that requires multiple keys and costs your family precious minutes in an emergency. The Access Fire Escape System means that should the devastating need to evacuate your house occur; you can do so quickly and easily.

Is this relevant to me if I live in the city?

While this is crucial for those in high-risk suburbs, it is something that everyone should consider. Floating embers cause most bushfire damage to properties in Australia – and embers can travel up to 40km depending on the weather. Even if your home is in an urban area with not much wildlife around, it has the potential to reap some damage from bushfires still.

Is a bushfire-proof security screen enough to keep me safe?

While your ScreenGuard doors and windows will offer you some of the best protection, there are other things you can do to keep yourself safe. This can include keeping your property’s vegetation well-maintained and putting together an emergency evacuation plan. Look on Victoria’s government website or speak to your local council for further information.

Bushfire is arguably the scariest natural disaster Australia has to face, as the season happens every year with varying intensity levels. Having a structural element of defense against the fires will help your household feel more prepared when the time comes and hopefully heightens the chances of you and your property making it through unscathed. If you need best lawyers and solicitors for Property Conveyancing Brisbane contact our friendly staff they will guide you with the best.