Timber Decking Supplier in Brisbane Warns Customers: “Be Careful When Building a Timber Deck in a Bushfire-Prone Area.”
Announcement posted by Narangba Timbers 24 Mar 2016
Owner of Narangba Timbers, the leading timber decking supplier in Brisbane, reveals how enhanced materials reduce the risk of bushfire damage to homes.
Brisbane, QLD, 24 March 2016 - Timber decking is a popular DIY project in the Brisbane area and across Australia. For many Australians, there is nothing quite like enjoying BBQ and cold beverages on a timber deck. However, according to Jack Kyle, owner of Narangba Timbers, those who want to build a timber deck need to know if they are in a bushfire-prone area.
According to Mr Kyle: “It is crucial for anyone building a timber deck to know their home’s Bushfire Attack Level. Once they know their Bushfire Attack Level, they can decide what precautions to take and what materials. If there’s one really good thing that has come out of the bushfires over the last seven years, it’s the raising of building standards in bushfire-prone areas.”
The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is a number that reflects the risk of a home being damaged by a bushfire. It measures the threat that radiant heat, ember attack and direct flame contact pose to a home. The most important factor in determining the BAL is the area’s Fire Danger Index. Other factors are also important, such as: the slope of the land on which the building is constructed, the buildings that are nearby and the vegetation that surrounds the dwelling.
The scale for BAL is simple and takes a lot of the guesswork out of deciding what materials to use for a timber deck. Those whose homes are rated as “BAL Low” can use whatever materials they want with no special consideration to bushfires.
Those whose homes are rated BAL 12.5-40 need to use building materials that are either bushfire resistant or non-combustible. It is also necessary to enclose the space below the timber deck to prevent ember attacks from starting a fire underneath the deck.
If a home is rated as a BAL Flame Zone, every precaution must be taken to prevent combustion. The space below the deck must be closed and the materials must be non-combustible. The deck should contain steel framing and no timbers can be exposed. The decking boards should contain no gaps. Both the decking boards and the sub-floor should be made of dense timber.
According to Mr Kyle: “Even with stringent standards, there are still plenty of timber decking options for homes in the Brisbane area. We are happy the standards are there because they protect homeowners and their families. I like to see homeowners build a bit above the standards. For example, merbau is a popular timber choice. It is naturally fire-resistant and makes a beautiful, solid timber deck that lasts for years. It is a great choice for most timber decks, even those that are in BAL Low zones.”
Mr Kyle concluded: “Whatever you build, do it right. Keep your home and your family safe in all conditions.”
Narangba Timbers is the leading supplier of timber decking in the Brisbane area. They carry a comprehensive inventory of timber for all building uses. Their customer service staff is second to none. They have a display deck on which customers can view various timbers and finishes for a timber deck. They also have a decking calculator which calculates how much timber is needed for any given project. To learn more or to place an order, call (07) 3888 1293 or visit their website: http://www.narangbatimbers.com.au/.
According to Mr Kyle: “It is crucial for anyone building a timber deck to know their home’s Bushfire Attack Level. Once they know their Bushfire Attack Level, they can decide what precautions to take and what materials. If there’s one really good thing that has come out of the bushfires over the last seven years, it’s the raising of building standards in bushfire-prone areas.”
The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is a number that reflects the risk of a home being damaged by a bushfire. It measures the threat that radiant heat, ember attack and direct flame contact pose to a home. The most important factor in determining the BAL is the area’s Fire Danger Index. Other factors are also important, such as: the slope of the land on which the building is constructed, the buildings that are nearby and the vegetation that surrounds the dwelling.
The scale for BAL is simple and takes a lot of the guesswork out of deciding what materials to use for a timber deck. Those whose homes are rated as “BAL Low” can use whatever materials they want with no special consideration to bushfires.
Those whose homes are rated BAL 12.5-40 need to use building materials that are either bushfire resistant or non-combustible. It is also necessary to enclose the space below the timber deck to prevent ember attacks from starting a fire underneath the deck.
If a home is rated as a BAL Flame Zone, every precaution must be taken to prevent combustion. The space below the deck must be closed and the materials must be non-combustible. The deck should contain steel framing and no timbers can be exposed. The decking boards should contain no gaps. Both the decking boards and the sub-floor should be made of dense timber.
According to Mr Kyle: “Even with stringent standards, there are still plenty of timber decking options for homes in the Brisbane area. We are happy the standards are there because they protect homeowners and their families. I like to see homeowners build a bit above the standards. For example, merbau is a popular timber choice. It is naturally fire-resistant and makes a beautiful, solid timber deck that lasts for years. It is a great choice for most timber decks, even those that are in BAL Low zones.”
Mr Kyle concluded: “Whatever you build, do it right. Keep your home and your family safe in all conditions.”
Narangba Timbers is the leading supplier of timber decking in the Brisbane area. They carry a comprehensive inventory of timber for all building uses. Their customer service staff is second to none. They have a display deck on which customers can view various timbers and finishes for a timber deck. They also have a decking calculator which calculates how much timber is needed for any given project. To learn more or to place an order, call (07) 3888 1293 or visit their website: http://www.narangbatimbers.com.au/.