Summer is a fantastic time for Victorians and Greater Geelong residents. With warm weather, beautiful beaches and opportunities for barbecues and picnics, it’s a season to embrace outdoor living. However, for residents in bushfire prone areas, summer also brings increased risks.
There are many precautions residents who live in bushfire prone areas need to take and this includes careful consideration when building “dwellings, units, flats, other residential buildings and associated outbuildings“. For Greater Geelong residents, this includes outdoor areas such as verandahs.
So, if you live in a bushfire prone area, how can you satisfy the regulations, Australian Standards and, more importantly, build a verandah that’s constructed to reduce the risk of ignition from a bushfire?
Understanding Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL)
When building any structure in a bushfire prone area, including verandahs, it’s crucial to consider the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL). The BAL rating assesses the potential severity of bushfire exposure based on factors such as:
- The region where your home is located.
- The type of vegetation surrounding your property and the distance between the vegetation and your home.
- The slope of your land and surrounding areas.
There are six BAL ratings which dictate the construction requirements, ranging from low (which has no special requirements) to flame zone. If you live in a flame zone area in the Greater Geelong region you would need to take the most significant precautions when building your verandah.
5 key considerations for building a verandah in bushfire prone area of Geelong
1. Conduct a BAL assessment
Before starting construction, determine your property’s BAL rating. This will influence the materials and design choices for your verandah. A professional builder like Jaan McKenzie and his team from Outside Concepts Geelong Branch can assist with this assessment. Alternatively, contact your local council for guidance.
2. Choose fire-resistant materials
While timber is a popular choice for verandahs due to its natural charm, it’s essential to select fire-resistant timbers in bushfire prone areas. Hardwoods such as Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Ironbark are known for their fire-resistant properties and usually meet BAL requirements. Steel is another excellent option as it is non-combustible and highly durable.
3. Optimise verandah design
A simple verandah design may reduce the risk of ember attacks and radiant heat exposure. Avoid enclosed spaces where embers can accumulate and you may need to use non-combustible materials for balustrades and other structural elements. Elevated platforms can also enhance safety by reducing direct contact with ground-level fire risks.
4. Ember protection
Embers are a significant cause of fire damage during bushfires. Adding fine metal mesh screens beneath a raised verandah can prevent embers from gathering in vulnerable areas. This precaution significantly reduces the risk of ignition.
5. Adhere to building codes and standards
Australian Standard AS 3959-2018 provides detailed guidelines for constructing buildings in bushfire prone areas. These standards ensure structures are designed to withstand bushfire conditions. Familiarise yourself with these requirements or work with an experienced Geelong verandah builder to ensure compliance.
Why choose Outside Concepts Geelong Branch?
Building a verandah in a bushfire prone area around Greater Geelong requires expertise and careful planning. Engaging a professional builder like Jaan McKenzie and his team from Outside Concepts Geelong Branch ensures your verandah will meet all safety standards while enhancing your outdoor living space.
With years of experience, Jaan’s team understands the complexities of building in bushfire prone areas and can guide you through every step of the process, from the initial BAL assessment to material selection and construction.
Don’t let the risks of bushfires deter you from enjoying a beautiful verandah in Geelong. Phone Outside Concepts on 1800 601 674 to organize a no-obligation meeting with Jaan and his team. You can also submit a form on Jaan’s website page.
Let us create a verandah that’s not only stunning but also built to keep your family safe.
From concept to clean up, you can rely on us. Give Outside Concepts a call on 1800 601 674 to organise a free quote.
Considering building a new verandah in the Greater Geelong region, but you’re located in a bushfire prone area? It can be done, but special precautions must be taken.
