fWhen constructing a building that’s up to code, it’s important to find construction materials that meet the BAL rating of your location. However, finding BAL-rated building materials that are both compliant and visually appealing can be quite tricky. To help you out, we’ve come up with a guide to help you source smart material choices that meet BAL standards without sacrificing appearance.
What is a BAL Rating and why does it matter in WA?
BAL—which stands for Bushfire Attack Level—is an Australian standard rating that measures how severe a building can be exposed to bushfire hazards like ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. It’s affected by your location as well as the following factors:
- Your location’s Fire Danger Index
- The slope of the land surrounding your building
- The type of vegetation nearby
- Your proximity to other buildings, structures, and vegetation
WA, which experiences one of the driest climates in the country, has bushfires as a common occurrence. This makes finding quality BAL-rated building materials even more integral for the safety of your property.
Visit the Government of Western Australia’s guide or the AS 3959:2018 for more information on building homes in bushfire-prone zones. You can also check out WA’s map of bushfire-prone areas to guide your construction plans.
Fire-Rated Floors and Walls: Nasahi
A top choice of Perth builders for its cost-effectiveness, Nasahi’s pre-finished external wall panels and flooring systems are a great choice for properties within WA’s bushfire zones.. Engineered from non-combustible aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC), Nasahi’s fire-rated wall panels and flooring easily meet BAL requirements to protect your buildings. Not to mention, Nasahi’s BAL-rated building materials are completely versatile and can serve as a blank canvas for any wall finishing or flooring overlays you may want.
Key Benefits:
- Lightweight, easy to transport & install
- Durable, moisture-resistant, and low-maintenance
- Thermally efficient
- Excellent acoustic performance
- BAL compliant in all 6 categories
BAL-Rated Cladding Options: James Hardie
A home’s external cladding will be its first line of defence against any external conditions, including bushfire attacks. For tried and tested cladding options that’ll help you meet BAL requirements in WA, James Hardie cladding solutions are highly recommended.
Made from fibre cement, James Hardie products are certified durable and non-combustible. The fire-rated cladding from James Hardie also comes in a range of colours and finishes, allowing you to achieve the design you want—whether it’s a traditional or modern facade.
James Hardie BAL 29 Cladding Options
James Hardie BAL 40 Cladding Options
- Axon™ Cladding
- Stria™ Cladding
- Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding
- Linea™ Weatherboard
- PrimeLine™ Weatherboard
- EasyLap™ Panels
- Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding
- ExoTec™ Facade Panel
Key Benefits
- Resistant to fire, moisture, and termites
- Multiple design profiles & colours for different architectural styles
- Cost-effective and low-maintenance
- Trusted brand and readily available in WA
- All cladding options listed above can be upgraded to suit BAL FZ zones when used with Hardie™ Smart Fire & Acoustic Boundary Wall System
BAL-Rated Decking Options: NewTechWood
For outdoor living spaces, consider fire-rated decking materials like composite timber as an alternative to the traditional timber decking known for its combustibility. The globally renowned NewTechWood, in particular, produces high-quality and sustainable composite timber decking options suitable for bushfire-prone zones in WA.
Manufactured from recycled plastics and reconstituted timber fibres, NewTechWood BAL 29 decking is highly bushfire-resistant and weather-proof. It’s a smart alternative, especially when you’re looking to have the classic natural wood look with fire safety.
Key Benefits
- Eco-friendly and durable alternative to regular timber
- Resistant to fire, UV, moisture, insects, and bacteria
- Low maintenance and fade-resistant
- Clean, modern finishes that suit regional and lifestyle builds
- Ideal for outdoor living in harsh climates
Fire-Rated Fences: Nasahi
Offering all-around BAL-rated building materials, Nasahi also stands on top when it comes to manufacturing fencing solutions for areas in bushfire zones. Nasahi’s fencing systems are also made with their thick but lightweight AAC panels, known for their durability and fire-resistance.
Their systems can be finished with render or paint, making them adaptable to individual aesthetic preferences. With a fire-rated fence in place, properties and rural or countryside blocks can have added defence against embers and direct flame.
Key Benefits
- Fire-resistant & BAL compliant
- Superb sound-blocking properties
- Added privacy for comfort
- Easy to render or finish for a more polished look
Why Material Choice Matters in BAL Zones
When constructing buildings and trying to stick to a budget, it can be easy to assume that regular or traditional materials like timber can easily be treated to comply and cut costs. However, in the long run, it’s still more cost-efficient to use building materials that have been rigorously tested and certified to meet BAL compliance requirements.
Investing in smart materials early on will prevent delays at the council stage and costly rework later. Most importantly, it can grant you peace of mind, knowing your project is compliant and certified safe for its users.
Build Smart with Westgyp
Ready to start your build? If you’re looking for BAL-rated building materials that best fit your project and budget, Westgyp’s knowledgeable staff is here to guide you. More than just supplying builders, contractors, and DIYers with building supplies in the past 3 decades, we also offer expert advice and support to ensure your project runs smoothly. Contact us today, and let’s get you started in constructing homes that are certified fire-safe and built to last.