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:

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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.
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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.
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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.

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What Level of Protection Are You Working Towards?

Depending on your property, you may be looking to upgrade your home towards one of the Bushfire Attack Levels outlined in AS 3959. You can also choose products tested to a higher BAL level than the level you’re working towards for added protection in vulnerable areas. Always seek advice from 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.

Please note: Bushfire protection should be considered as part of an overall plan for your home and property. Targeted upgrades can help, but regular garden maintenance, vegetation management and clearing debris are also important. Always seek appropriate professional advice and follow the recommendations of your local fire or bushfire service.

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.
Diagram for BAL 19
1

1. Subfloor & Underhouse Areas

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

Upgrade options:

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 meshBushfire Mesh
  • Non-combustible leaf guards
  • Ember-resistant gutter protection
3

3. 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:

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:

5

5. Weep Holes & Wall Openings

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

Upgrade options:

6

6. Eaves & Roof Cavities

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

Upgrade options:

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 meshBushfire Mesh
Diagram for BAL 29
1

1. Subfloor & Underhouse Areas

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

Upgrade options:

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 meshBushfire Mesh
  • Non-combustible leaf guards
  • Ember-resistant gutter protection
3

3. 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:

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:

5

5. Weep Holes & Wall Openings

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

Upgrade options:

6

6. Eaves & Roof Cavities

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

Upgrade options:

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 meshBushfire Mesh
Diagram for BAL 40
1

1. Subfloor & Underhouse Areas

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

Upgrade options:

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 meshBushfire Mesh
  • Non-combustible leaf guards
  • Ember-resistant gutter protection
3

3. 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:

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:

5

5. Weep Holes & Wall Openings

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

Upgrade options:

6

6. Eaves & Roof Cavities

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

Upgrade options:

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 meshBushfire Mesh
9

9. Boundary Control

Walls and openings close to a property boundary can be exposed to fire spreading from neighbouring structures, fences and vegetation. Openings near a boundary may need additional protection.

Upgrade options:

Diagram for BAL FZ
1

1. Subfloor & Underhouse Areas

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

Upgrade options:

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 meshBushfire Mesh
  • Non-combustible leaf guards
  • Ember-resistant gutter protection
3

3. 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:

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:

5

5. Weep Holes & Wall Openings

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

Upgrade options:

6

6. Eaves & Roof Cavities

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

Upgrade options:

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 meshBushfire Mesh
9

9. Boundary Control

Walls and openings close to a property boundary can be exposed to fire spreading from neighbouring structures, fences and vegetation. Openings near a boundary may need additional protection.

Upgrade options:

Upgrading Towards BAL 19 Protection

Upgrading your entire home may not always be practical or cost-effective. Depending on your property's Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) and the applicable requirements of Australian Standard AS 3959, some areas may need greater protection than others.

Particular attention should be given to the most vulnerable areas first, such as underfloor spaces where debris can accumulate and embers may enter and ignite combustible materials. Bushfire exposure can also vary across different sides of a property, depending on its location, surrounding vegetation and terrain.

A qualified Bushfire Consultant can assess your property's individual risks, explain the relevant requirements and help you identify where additional protection may be most beneficial.

Upgrading Towards BAL 29 Protection

Upgrading your entire home may not always be practical or cost-effective. Depending on your property's Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) and the applicable requirements of Australian Standard AS 3959, some areas may need greater protection than others.

Particular attention should be given to the most vulnerable areas first, such as underfloor spaces where debris can accumulate and embers may enter and ignite combustible materials. Bushfire exposure can also vary across different sides of a property, depending on its location, surrounding vegetation and terrain.

A qualified Bushfire Consultant can assess your property's individual risks, explain the relevant requirements and help you identify where additional protection may be most beneficial.

Upgrading Towards BAL 40 Protection

Upgrading your entire home may not always be practical or cost-effective. Depending on your property's Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) and the applicable requirements of Australian Standard AS 3959, some areas may need greater protection than others.

Particular attention should be given to the most vulnerable areas first, such as underfloor spaces where debris can accumulate and embers may enter and ignite combustible materials. Bushfire exposure can also vary across different sides of a property, depending on its location, surrounding vegetation and terrain.

A qualified Bushfire Consultant can assess your property's individual risks, explain the relevant requirements and help you identify where additional protection may be most beneficial.

Upgrading Towards BAL FZ Protection

For older or existing homes, upgrading every part of the building to full BAL-FZ specifications may not always be practical or possible. However, you can still work towards a higher level of protection by identifying the most vulnerable areas and upgrading them with appropriately tested Flame Zone products where possible. A qualified Bushfire Consultant can help you understand where the greatest risks are and which upgrades should be prioritised.

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.

1Subfloor & 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

2Gutters & 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

3Roof & 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

4Windows & 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
  • Bushfire Windows
  • Bushfire Doors

5Weep Holes & Wall Openings

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

Upgrade options:

  • Weep hole mesh inserts
  • Ember guards

6Eaves & Roof Cavities

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

Upgrade options:

7Garage Doors & Large Openings

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

Upgrade options:

  • Perimeter seals

8Roof 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

1Subfloor & 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

2Gutters & 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

3Roof & 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

4Windows & 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
  • Bushfire Windows
  • Bushfire Doors

5Weep Holes & Wall Openings

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

Upgrade options:

  • Weep hole mesh inserts
  • Ember guards

6Eaves & Roof Cavities

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

Upgrade options:

7Garage Doors & Large Openings

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

Upgrade options:

  • Perimeter seals

8Roof 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

1Subfloor & 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

2Gutters & 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

3Roof & 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

4Windows & 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
  • Bushfire Windows
  • Bushfire Doors

5Weep Holes & Wall Openings

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

Upgrade options:

  • Weep hole mesh inserts
  • Ember guards

6Eaves & Roof Cavities

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

Upgrade options:

7Garage Doors & Large Openings

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

Upgrade options:

  • Perimeter seals

8Roof 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

9Boundary Control

Walls and openings close to a property boundary can be exposed to fire spreading from neighbouring structures, fences and vegetation. Openings near a boundary may need additional protection.

Upgrade options:

1Subfloor & 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

2Gutters & 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

3Roof & 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

4Windows & Doors

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

Upgrade options:

5Weep Holes & Wall Openings

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

Upgrade options:

  • Weep hole mesh inserts
  • Ember guards

6Eaves & Roof Cavities

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

Upgrade options:

7Garage Doors & Large Openings

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

Upgrade options:

  • Perimeter seals

8Roof 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

9Boundary Control

Walls and openings close to a property boundary can be exposed to fire spreading from neighbouring structures, fences and vegetation. Openings near a boundary may need additional protection.

Upgrade options:

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