How to Protect Your Home from Bushfire.

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How Bushfires Affect Homes

When planning for bushfire protection, it’s important to understand that not all threats are the same.

Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) are used to describe the level of exposure a home may face from the three main bushfire elements:

Ember Attack

Ember Attack

Roughly 80% of homes lost in bushfires are ignited by embers. They can travel kilometres ahead of a fire front, entering homes through gaps as small as a few millimetres.
Radiant Heat

Radiant Heat

Intense heat can damage a home before flames even arrive. Cracking or shattering windows, heating surfaces to ignition and making interiors dangerously hot.
Direct Flame

Direct Flame

Direct flame contact can ignite a home on impact. Breaching the building envelope and placing the entire structure under immediate threat.

The Problem Most Older Homes Face

For new builds, homes are designed and constructed to meet a specific BAL rating from the ground up.

But many homes in bushfire-prone areas were constructed before current BAL requirements were introduced, and may not be adequately protected

Which means if you've recently:
  • Had your local area reclassified into a higher BAL rating
  • Purchased a home in a bushfire-prone area
  • Or seen fire activity increase

There’s a good chance your home isn’t as protected as it could be.

That’s where targeted upgrades come in.

Where Homes Are Most Vulnerable

In a bushfire situation, most homes will fail at the weakest points.

Embers, heat and flame don’t attack evenly. They find gaps, openings and vulnerable areas in the building envelope.

For existing homes, improving bushfire protection isn’t about rebuilding. It’s about strengthening these weak points as best you can and/or is practical.

bushfire logo

What BAL Level Are You Working Towards?

Depending on your property, you may be looking to upgrade your home towards these Bushfire Attack Levels outlined in AS3959. You should always use an appropriately qualified Bushfire Consultant.

BAL 19

Covers lower-level ember attack, including bal 12.5

BAL 29

Increased heat exposure and ember risk

BAL 40

High radiant heat and some flame contact requirements

BAL FZ

Flame Zone - Extreme exposure, including direct flame contact
The house diagram below highlights common weak points on a home, how those areas relate to bushfire exposure, and what upgrades can help you move closer to your target BAL level.

Explore Each Area of Your Home

Each numbered point on the diagram highlights a common weak area where ember attack, heat or flame can compromise your home, to determine your homes specific weak points you should always use an appropriately qualified Bushfire Consultant.
BAL 19
Diagram for BAL 19
1

1. Roof & Gable Vents

Open vents are one of the most common entry points for ember attack. They can enter roof cavities and ignite materials out of sight.

Upgrade options:

  • Ember mesh for vents
  • Fine aperture screening
  • Retrofit vent protection systems
2

2. Gutters & Roof Valleys

Gutters can collect debris, creating ignition points during ember attack. Burning debris combined with embers can lead to fire spreading into the roofline.

Upgrade options:

  • Gutter guard mesh
  • Non-combustible leaf guards
  • Ember-resistant gutter protection
3

3. Subfloor & Underhouse Areas

Subfloor spaces are often exposed and overlooked. Embers can accumulate underneath the home and ignite structural elements.

Upgrade options:

  • Subfloor ember mesh
  • Perimeter screening
  • Enclosure systems
4

4. Windows & Doors

Glass and gaps are vulnerable to both ember attack and radiant heat and can allow embers to enter the home.

Upgrade options:

  • Ember mesh screens
  • Bushfire shutters
  • Heat-resistant barriers
5

5. Weep Holes & Wall Openings

Small openings in brickwork can allow ember entry into wall cavities.

Upgrade options:

  • Weep hole mesh inserts
  • Ember guards
6

6. Eaves & Roof Cavities

Open eaves and roof edges are highly exposed and directly exposed to ember attack and radiant heat.

Upgrade options:

  • Eave lining protection
  • Ember mesh installation
  • Sealing solutions
7

7. Garage Doors & Large Openings

Gaps around garage doors can allow ember entry and increase the chance of internal ignition.

Upgrade options:

  • Perimeter seals
8

8. Roof Penetrations & Services

Gaps and joins where services enter the roof or walls can allow heat and embers to enter.

Upgrade options:

  • Sealing systems
  • Fire-resistant collars
  • Protective mesh
Diagram for BAL 29
1

1. Roof & Gable Vents

Open vents are one of the most common entry points for ember attack. They can enter roof cavities and ignite materials out of sight.

Upgrade options:

  • Ember mesh for vents
  • Fine aperture screening
  • Retrofit vent protection systems
2

2. Gutters & Roof Valleys

Gutters can collect debris, creating ignition points during ember attack. Burning debris combined with embers can lead to fire spreading into the roofline.

Upgrade options:

  • Gutter guard mesh
  • Non-combustible leaf guards
  • Ember-resistant gutter protection
3

3. Subfloor & Underhouse Areas

Subfloor spaces are often exposed and overlooked. Embers can accumulate underneath the home and ignite structural elements.

Upgrade options:

  • Subfloor ember mesh
  • Perimeter screening
  • Enclosure systems
4

4. Windows & Doors

Glass and gaps are vulnerable to both ember attack and radiant heat and can allow embers to enter the home.

Upgrade options:

  • Ember mesh screens
  • Bushfire shutters
  • Heat-resistant barriers
5

5. Weep Holes & Wall Openings

Small openings in brickwork can allow ember entry into wall cavities.

Upgrade options:

  • Weep hole mesh inserts
  • Ember guards
6

6. Eaves & Roof Cavities

Open eaves and roof edges are highly exposed and directly exposed to ember attack and radiant heat.

Upgrade options:

  • Eave lining protection
  • Ember mesh installation
  • Sealing solutions
7

7. Garage Doors & Large Openings

Gaps around garage doors can allow ember entry and increase the chance of internal ignition.

Upgrade options:

  • Perimeter seals
8

8. Roof Penetrations & Services

Gaps and joins where services enter the roof or walls can allow heat and embers to enter.

Upgrade options:

  • Sealing systems
  • Fire-resistant collars
  • Protective mesh
Diagram for BAL 40
1

1. Roof & Gable Vents

Open vents are one of the most common entry points for ember attack. They can enter roof cavities and ignite materials out of sight.

Upgrade options:

  • Ember mesh for vents
  • Fine aperture screening
  • Retrofit vent protection systems
2

2. Gutters & Roof Valleys

Gutters can collect debris, creating ignition points during ember attack. Burning debris combined with embers can lead to fire spreading into the roofline.

Upgrade options:

  • Gutter guard mesh
  • Non-combustible leaf guards
  • Ember-resistant gutter protection
3

3. Subfloor & Underhouse Areas

Subfloor spaces are often exposed and overlooked. Embers can accumulate underneath the home and ignite structural elements.

Upgrade options:

  • Subfloor ember mesh
  • Perimeter screening
  • Enclosure systems
4

4. Windows & Doors

Glass and gaps are vulnerable to both ember attack and radiant heat and can allow embers to enter the home.

Upgrade options:

  • Ember mesh screens
  • Bushfire shutters
  • Heat-resistant barriers
5

5. Weep Holes & Wall Openings

Small openings in brickwork can allow ember entry into wall cavities.

Upgrade options:

  • Weep hole mesh inserts
  • Ember guards
6

6. Eaves & Roof Cavities

Open eaves and roof edges are highly exposed and directly exposed to ember attack and radiant heat.

Upgrade options:

  • Eave lining protection
  • Ember mesh installation
  • Sealing solutions
7

7. Garage Doors & Large Openings

Gaps around garage doors can allow ember entry and increase the chance of internal ignition.

Upgrade options:

  • Perimeter seals
8

8. Roof Penetrations & Services

Gaps and joins where services enter the roof or walls can allow heat and embers to enter.

Upgrade options:

  • Sealing systems
  • Fire-resistant collars
  • Protective mesh
Diagram for BAL FZ
1

1. Roof & Gable Vents

Open vents are one of the most common entry points for ember attack. They can enter roof cavities and ignite materials out of sight.

Upgrade options:

  • Ember mesh for vents
  • Fine aperture screening
  • Retrofit vent protection systems
2

2. Gutters & Roof Valleys

Gutters can collect debris, creating ignition points during ember attack. Burning debris combined with embers can lead to fire spreading into the roofline.

Upgrade options:

  • Gutter guard mesh
  • Non-combustible leaf guards
  • Ember-resistant gutter protection
3

3. Subfloor & Underhouse Areas

Subfloor spaces are often exposed and overlooked. Embers can accumulate underneath the home and ignite structural elements.

Upgrade options:

  • Subfloor ember mesh
  • Perimeter screening
  • Enclosure systems
4

4. Windows & Doors

Glass and gaps are vulnerable to both ember attack and radiant heat and can allow embers to enter the home.

Upgrade options:

  • Ember mesh screens
  • Bushfire shutters
  • Heat-resistant barriers
5

5. Weep Holes & Wall Openings

Small openings in brickwork can allow ember entry into wall cavities.

Upgrade options:

  • Weep hole mesh inserts
  • Ember guards
6

6. Eaves & Roof Cavities

Open eaves and roof edges are highly exposed and directly exposed to ember attack and radiant heat.

Upgrade options:

  • Eave lining protection
  • Ember mesh installation
  • Sealing solutions
7

7. Garage Doors & Large Openings

Gaps around garage doors can allow ember entry and increase the chance of internal ignition.

Upgrade options:

  • Perimeter seals
8

8. Roof Penetrations & Services

Gaps and joins where services enter the roof or walls can allow heat and embers to enter.

Upgrade options:

  • Sealing systems
  • Fire-resistant collars
  • Protective mesh
Hover a number to explore

Upgrade Guide — Each Area of Your Home

Below, you’ll find a guide to some upgrades from AS3959 that can help strengthen each area of your home. Note that doing some upgrades - but not all - will not provide an equivalent to a newly constructed home. However, some areas such as exposed underfloor areas which have timber flooring (for example) may be difficult to reach and keep free of flammable debris. These are better cleaned and protected than not protected at all. Other areas may be more easily maintained and pose less risk.
  • Roof & Gable Vents

Open vents are one of the most common entry points for ember attack. They can enter roof cavities and ignite materials out of sight.

Upgrade options:

  • Ember mesh for vents
  • Fine aperture screening
  • Retrofit vent protection systems
  • Gutters & Roof valleys

Gutters can collect debris, creating ignition points during ember attack. Burning debris combined with embers can lead to fire spreading into the roofline.

Upgrade options:

  • Gutter guard mesh
  • Non-combustible leaf guards
  • Ember-resistant gutter protection
  • Subfloor & Underhouse Areas

Subfloor spaces are often exposed and overlooked. Embers can accumulate underneath the home and ignite structural elements.

Upgrade options:

  • Subfloor ember mesh
  • Perimeter screening
  • Enclosure systems
  • Windows & Doors

Glass and gaps are vulnerable to both ember attack and radiant heat and can allow embers to enter the home.

Upgrade options:

  • Ember mesh screens
  • Bushfire shutters
  • Heat-resistant barriers
  • Weep Holes & Wall Openings

Small openings in brickwork can allow ember entry into wall cavities.

Upgrade options:

  • Weep hole mesh inserts
  • Ember guards
  • Eaves & Roof Cavities

Open eaves and roof edges are highly exposed and directly exposed to ember attack and radiant heat.

Upgrade options:

  • Eave lining protection
  • Ember mesh installation
  • Sealing solutions
  • Garage Doors & Large Openings

Gaps around garage doors can allow ember entry and increase the chance of internal ignition.

Upgrade options:

  • Perimeter seals
  • Roof Penetrations & Services

Gaps and joins where services enter the roof or walls can allow heat and embers to enter.

Upgrade options:

  • Sealing systems
  • Fire-resistant collars
  • Protective mesh
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