If you're building or renovating in a bushfire-prone area, choosing the correct BAL-rated door is an important part of meeting Australian building requirements and protecting your home.
What Does BAL Mean?
BAL stands for Bushfire Attack Level. It measures the potential exposure of a property to bushfire conditions, including radiant heat, ember attack, and direct flame contact. The higher the BAL rating, the greater the level of protection your door must provide.
The Different BAL Ratings
BAL-12.5
Suitable for areas with a lower risk of bushfire. Doors at this level are designed to help resist ember attack and lower levels of radiant heat.
BAL-19
Provides increased protection against ember attack and moderate radiant heat. This is a common rating for many homes built in bushfire-prone regions.
BAL-29
Designed for areas exposed to higher levels of radiant heat. Doors at this rating use more robust construction and compliant materials to provide greater protection.
BAL-40
Suitable for high-risk bushfire areas where severe radiant heat is expected. Doors must be specifically tested and certified to meet strict Australian Standards.
BAL-FZ (Flame Zone)
The highest bushfire rating, BAL-FZ is required for homes with the greatest level of bushfire exposure.
Choosing the Right BAL-Rated Door
Your required BAL-rating is determined by a qualified bushfire assessment of your property and will be specified during the building approval process. Typically, your council will advise of the required BAL-rating you must meet. It's important to select a door that has been tested and certified for the required BAL level to ensure your home remains compliant with Australian regulations.
At Complete Doors Online, we offer a range of BAL rated entrance doors, from 12.5 - 40, designed to meet Australian Standards while delivering the style, durability, and performance your home deserves. Check out the range here: https://completedoorsonline.com.au/collections/bal-rated-entrance
