Tools & Resources
BlueScope Steel Offers Residential Roofing Solution for Victorian Bushfire Zones
BlueScope Steel has tested and will shortly publish a new roofing system that can be used by residents in extreme bushfire zones to rebuild their homes in accordance with the strict new Australian Standard for the Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas.
The solution is the result of collaboration between BlueScope Steel, Forest and Wood Products Australia Limited and Promat Australia Pty Ltd to come up with a roofing system that meets the new bushfire standard AS3959-2009 for BAL-FZ (Bushfire Attack Level - Flame Zone) zones.
The system comprises roofing made from COLORBOND® steel, timber roof battens, plywood insulating board, timber trusses, fire resistant plasterboard and timber fascia, all assembled and detailed in a prescribed manner.
Mark Eckermann, Market Manager - Residential, at BlueScope Steel, explains: "BlueScope Steel has a long history of testing and developing steel products that are durable in bushfires and this work to develop and test a steel roofing system for BAL-FZ zones is a continuation of this effort."
"Steel is a natural material of choice in bushfire conditions as it is strong, durable, non-combustible and will not twist or warp in extreme heat."
Over the past four years, BlueScope Steel has dedicated over A$400,000 and numerous resources to bushfire research which has enabled it to further understand the performance of its products in bushfire conditions and constantly improve its materials and the way in which they are utilised in buildings.
BlueScope Steel has also donated A$1 million of steel building solutions specifically to the victims of the recent Victorian bushfires, along with A$140,000 from employees to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal and 600 pairs of overalls and safety glasses.
The new roof system must be constructed strictly in accordance with the frame, batten, insulation and fascia detail as certified.
BlueScope Steel will also soon undertake further testing of alternative roof systems comprising alternative materials and construction details to provide greater choice and flexibility.
For more information please see our page on Bushfire Design.