Prefit PTY LTD
Sydney Building Solution Provide
Bushfire Zone Window Solutions | Prefit Building Pty Ltd
🏠 Your First Line of Defence Against Bushfire
When bushfire season arrives, your windows and doors are the most vulnerable points of your home. Once they fail – from intense heat, flying embers, or radiant heat shattering the glass – flames and smoke can enter within minutes. Choosing the right windows could save your home.
Prefti Building Pty Ltd is a Sydney-based window specialist dedicated to providing compliant, high-quality solutions for homes in bushfire-prone areas across New South Wales.
📌 What's Your Bushfire Risk Level?
Australian Standard AS 3959-2018 classifies bushfire risk into six Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) .
Your first step: Contact your local Council to confirm which BAL level applies to your property.
BAL LevelRisk DescriptionHeat Flux (kW/m²)
BAL-LowMinimal risk – no special construction requirementsN/A
BAL-12.5Primarily ember attack≤12.5
BAL-19Ember attack + moderate radiant heat12.5 – 19
BAL-29Ember attack + higher radiant heat19 – 29
BAL-40High radiant heat – potential direct flame contact29 – 40
BAL-FZ (Flame Zone)Extreme – direct exposure to flame front>40
💡 Pro Tip: Even if your property is rated BAL-Low, installing metal mesh screens is a smart precaution – embers can travel several kilometres from the fire front.
🪟 Window & Door Requirements by BAL Level
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BAL Level GlazingFramingScreens / ShuttersDoor Requirements
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BAL-Low / 12.5Standard glassNon-combustible or timber (≥650kg/m³ density)Metal mesh screens (mesh <2mm)Solid core or non-combustible
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BAL-19Toughened glass – min. 5mmNon-combustible frameMetal mesh screensSolid core, tight-fitting
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BAL-29Toughened glass – min. 5mmNon-combustible frameMetal mesh screensSolid core or fire-rated door
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BAL-40Fire-rated glass – min. 6mmNon-combustible frameMetal screens + Shutters (mandatory)30+ minute fire-rated
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BAL-FZFire-rated glassNon-combustible frameNon-combustible shutters30-60 minute fire-rated
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Prefit offers tailored window and door configurations for every BAL level – ensuring compliance, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
✅ 3 Life-Saving Tips
1
Never Compromise on Compliance
If your property is in a designated bushfire zone, your windows and doors must meet BAL requirements and have test reports from NATA-accredited laboratories (AS 1530.8.1 or AS 1530.8.2). Your building surveyor will check this at final inspection – non-compliance means failure.
2
Those Screens Are NOT Decoration
Metal mesh screens are your last line of defence against embers. Many homeowners want to remove them because they think they block the view – don't. They are a mandatory requirement up to BAL-40.
3
Keep Your Window Surrounds Clear
Dead leaves, dry branches, and debris around your windowsills and doorways are fuel for a bushfire. A few minutes of regular cleaning could save your entire home.
🏠 Safety vs. Aesthetics – You Don't Have to Choose
Modern technology means you no longer have to compromise:
✅ High-performance aluminium framing with thermal breaks
✅ Fire-rated glazing that maintains clarity and views
✅ Large sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows
✅ Ultra-fine mesh screens – virtually invisible
Real projects across Sydney – including the Blue Mountains, Hills District, Northern Beaches, and North Shore – are using BAL-40 certified systems. They enjoy breathtaking views while meeting the strictest safety standards.
🏠 Safety vs. Aesthetics – You Don't Have to Choose
Modern technology means you no longer have to compromise:
✅ High-performance aluminium framing with thermal breaks
✅ Fire-rated glazing that maintains clarity and views
✅ Large sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows
✅ Ultra-fine mesh screens – virtually invisible
Real projects across Sydney – including the Blue Mountains, Hills District, Northern Beaches, and North Shore – are using BAL-40 certified systems. They enjoy breathtaking views while meeting the strictest safety standards.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I live in inner-city Sydney – do I still need bushfire protection?
A: Even if you're in the city, if your property borders bushland, national park, or large reserves, you may still be in a bushfire-prone area. Check with your Council first.
Q: Do I need a new BAL assessment when replacing windows?
A: If your property is in a bushfire zone and you're replacing windows or doors, the new products must meet the current BAL requirements. Consult your building surveyor to confirm the scope of compliance.
Q: Does double glazing help with bushfire protection?
A: Yes – insulated glass units (IGUs) generally perform better than single glazing under fire conditions. Prefti can supply tested double-glazed configurations for BAL-40 applications.
Q: What's the difference between toughened glass and fire-rated glass?
A: Toughened glass is heat-strengthened for impact resistance. Fire-rated glass is specifically designed to withstand prolonged radiant heat and direct flame exposure – it's a different product and required for BAL-40 and above.
📞 Protect Your Home with Prefit
If you're planning or renovating a home in a Sydney bushfire zone – including the Blue Mountains, Hills District, Northern Beaches, North Shore, Sutherland Shire, or South Coast – Prefit Building Pty Ltd can help!
We provide:
✅ BAL-compliant window and door solutions
✅ Expert technical advice and product selection
✅ End-to-end support – ensuring your project passes inspection
📩 Contact us for a free consultation and quote.