Building a deck in a bushfire prone area

August 05, 2015 | Bushfire prone decks | 0 comments | Author: Paul Hurkmans

The recent bushfire in the Blue Mountains of NSW serves as a reminder that for many parts of Australia, bushfires can be a major concern – even in the depths of winter! So what does this mean if you are considering building a deck in a bushfire prone area?

Building a deck can be a great investment for practically any home, but in bushfire prone areas special considerations are required. These considerations are based on what is called a bushfire attack level or BAL rating. There are 6 BAL levels, ranging from low to flame zone, based on several factors including:

The region where your home is built.
The type of vegetation surrounding your property and the distance between the vegetation and your home.
The slope on your land and the surrounding land.

Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind if considering building a deck in a bushfire prone area, based on your BAL level:

BAL Low:

There are no requirements for BAL Low.

BAL 12.5:

The subfloor of decks or stairs/ramps can remain open.
If your deck is less than 300mm horizontally from a glazed element, which is less than 400mm (measured vertically) from the deck level, then the decking must be made from a bushfire-resistant timber.

BAL 19:

Requirements are the same as BAL 12.5.

BAL 29:

Decking supports, decking framework, decking boards and stair treads need to be made from non-combustible material or fire-resistant timber.
Balustrades that are less than 125mm from any glazing or combustible wall are required to be made of non-combustible material or fire-resistant timber.

BAL 40:

Requirements are the same as BAL 29.
In addition, decking boards cannot be spaced.

BAL FZ (Flame Zone)

Requirements are the same as BAL 40.

This is a basic guide and other factors must be considered if you decide to enclose your deck. A steel sub-frame is allowable for all the bushfire attack levels.

For more advice on building a deck in a bushfire prone area and information on BAL levels, contact Outside Concepts today.