Search for TMA Member Suppliers For Delivery Right To Your Site:
Select "By Product Type" and type start typing a product (first text box). The directory will provide suggestions to match listed products. Include a location (second text box) to reduce list to local member suppliers.
Click on "By Supplier" to find member supplier by name (first text box) or all suppliers in a location (second text box)
Building with Timber in Bushfire-prone Areas
Technical manual issued by Forest & Wood Products Australia
In Australia, the updated Standard AS 3959-2009 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas has the benefit of many years of scientific development and provides an extensive guide to building homes to minimise risk for different levels of bushfire vulnerability.
This guide has been written to help architects, designers, builders and owners to understand the Standard and what is required for each of the new Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) areas. It focuses on traditional building methods using timber.
Where applicable, the contents explain alternative ways of compliance. For instance, there are several ways to comply with the Standard with respect to windows. One is the permanent fitting of bushfire shutters or screens. Another is to lift windows higher than 400mm off the nearest external 'horizontal' surface - this saves on the extra glazing and joinery requirements needed to protect a lower window.
Building safely means building bushfires out - it does not necessarily mean abandoning timber. In fact, the first roof system tested to comply with the most demanding BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) requirements uses seasoned plywood as a roof membrane to provide additional 'insulation' and to support other components.