BUSHFIRE EMBER GUARD

BUSHFIRE EMBER GUARD

Gutter Protection Specialists

We are fully insured and we carry a full complement of insurances, including workers compensation and public liability. We offer a product warranty and workmanship guarantee of up to 15 years.

Why Choose Us

What is a Bushfire Attack Level?

A bushfire attack level (BAL) is a way of measuring the severity of a building’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact.

In other words, BAL is a way of measuring the ability of a building to withstand an attack from a bushfire. The form of bushfire attack and the severity will vary according to the conditions on the site.

The Australian Standard AS 3959:2018 Construction in bushfire prone areas is a detailed document that specifies the construction requirements for buildings built in bushfire-prone areas in order to improve their resistance to bushfire attack from burning embers, radiant heat, flame contact or a combination all three forms of attack.

The AS3959-2018 mandates different construction requirements based on your property’s BAL. The standard affects your choice of construction materials for a number of features around your home, including gutter guards or gutter mesh. In line AS3959-2018, homes in bushfire prone areas must cover any gaps greater than 3mm with an ember guard mesh or sheet.

There are 6 different BAL ratings. The following diagram illustrates the predicted bushfire attack and levels of exposure for each of the BAL rating that may be applied to any particular site.

Ember guard compliance

Most houses that become victims of bushfires catch fire due to windborne embers. Ember guards prevent burning embers from getting into your home through gaps greater than 3mm. Ember guards can be made from a non-combustible mesh with an aperture of 2mm or smaller. Ember guards are used to “seal” any gaps greater than 3mm, such as gaps around your roof sheeting. For homes in areas with a BAL of 12.5, 19 or 29, this ember guard can be manufactured from corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium. For homes in areas with a BAL of 40 or higher, only corrosion-resistant steel or bronze ember guard meshes with an aperture of 2mm are allowed.

Gutter Guard Compliance

According to AS3959–2018, gutter guards are optional for anyone building a new home in an area with a BAL of 12.5, 19, 29, 40 or FZ. However, if you choose to use a gutter guard the standard mandates that the gutter guard must be made from non-combustible materials.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure these guidelines are consistent with AS3959–2018. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any of the information on this web page. As such, we recommend that you refer to the Australian Standard yourself or seek tailored advice from a qualified expert.

 

Bushfires are common in summer. Ember Guards help prevent Ember Attacks

Ember guard installed on a corrugated roof

Ember Guard Gutter Protection

At All Seasons Gutter Protection, we offer high-quality Ember Guard Meshes that help to protect homes in bushfire-prone areas. Our Aluminium Ember Guard is specifically designed to keep leaves out and prevent embers from entering the guttering system and roof cavity.

Not all gutter guards are ember guards. “Ember guard” and “Gutter Guard” are not interchangeable terms. An ember guard is a compliant cover inserted in or over an opening or cavity in your home in order to prevent the entry of burning embers. Our aluminium Ember Guard gutter guards are made from non-combustible materials that meet the Australian Standard for the Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas rated BAL 12.5, 19, 29. Our Ember Guard is designed to protect your home against ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact. The aluminium Ember Guard mesh comes in a variety of colours to blend in with your roof and match the aesthetics of your home.

Aluminium Ember Guard properties and benefits

Ember Guard installed on a tile roof

Stainless Steel Ember Guard

Stainless Steel Ember Guard Mesh

Steel Ember Guard mesh can also be used in-leu of Aluminium Ember Guard. Its resistance to corrosion makes it a great choice in highly corrosive environments such as coastal and industrial areas. The steel mesh is non-combustible and is the only Ember Guard gutter guard product suitable for all BAL levels including BAL 40 & BAL-FZ ratings. Steel Ember Guard has a 2mm hole size and is made from high-quality steel with a life expectancy of 20 years. Our steel gutter guard mesh will also provide the same added benefits afforded by our aluminium meshes.