Timber Or Steel Frame?

A large part of Australia comprises Bushfire-prone areas, making it tricky when choosing the suitable materials to build your new project.

Due to our high temperatures, the dry Australian bush catches fire every year. Bushfires cause poor air quality, impacts soil and water quality and can also have devastating impacts on plants, animals, ecosystems, property and, worst case scenario, human life.

When building in a bushfire-prone zone, you must know your risk level. Your site's level of bushfire risk affects your development requirements; the higher your risk level will mean your development will need more protection. The term 'bushfire attack level', or BAL, is used to quantify this risk.

Your site's level of bushfire risk is affected by the area you live in (or plan to build in), vegetation, distance from the vegetation to your home, and the slope. You must confirm your BAL in a written report as part of your construction process. The NSW RFS can help with this step.

BAL is the basis for establishing the requirements for construction under the Australian Standard AS 3959-2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas. BAL measures the severity of a building's potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact. It's measured in increments of radiant heat (expressed in kilowatts/m2).

Bush Fire Attack Level

BAL – LOW, Lowest risk from a potential fire.
BAL – 12.5, Risk is primarily from potential embers during a fire.
BAL – 19, Moderate risk, particularly from embers and burning debris.
BAL – 29, High risk, particularly from embers, debris and heat.
BAL – 40, Very high risk. Likely to be impacted by embers, debris, heat and potentially flames.
BAL – FZ, Extreme risk. Directly exposed to the flames of a potential firefront.

Each BAL rating has certain construction conditions relating to what materials can be used and how they are used in residential construction. When choosing what framing material to build your project out of, Timber and Steel can be used for house framing and all interior applications, including flooring, skirting, architraves and cabinetry in all BALs.

In this article, we put the case forward for choosing Steel House Frames and Trusses. We are a Steel Framing manufacturing company, after all!

The Benefits Of Building With Steel In Bushfire Prone Areas

Steel Is Non-Combustible

Steel is a non-combustible material making it ideal for constructing your property frames out of in bushfire-prone zones. Building out of steel frames instead of wood and Timber reduces the amount of flammable materials in the house.

Steel Is Durable

Steel frames and trusses are durable, strong and resilient and can resist many climatic situations permitting you to keep the design of your house in good shape for many years to come.

Steel Has A High Melting Point

Steel framing and roof trusses are highly resilient against heat! The hottest bushfire temperature recorded is around 1150 degrees centigrade, and the melting point of Steel is about 1350 degrees centigrade. This makes Steel an excellent choice for house framing in bushfire-prone properties.

Steel Is Affordable

Steel frames are more cost-effective than Timber frames as they provide durability benefits that equal less maintenance. Steel won't warp or flex as Timber does, meaning the lines of your building remain straight and true over time. Another cost benefit is Steel frames and trusses are pre-engineered to an exact design at our factory and then shipped out, ready for construction. This prefabrication significantly speeds up the building process, saving time and money in labour costs. Steel is 100% resistant to pests such as termites and borers making it a reliable choice for your building.

Lastly, Australian Steel Framing can earn builders points towards green certification programs. A quality Australian Steel Frame can create an airtight, well-insulated, energy-efficient non-combustible home.

There you have it! Steel framing is the most logical choice for house framing when building in a bushfire-prone area. Here is a summary of the key considerations when building a home in a bushfire-prone area in NSW:

Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment: This assessment determines the level of risk your property faces from bushfires. The BAL rating will guide the type of construction materials and design features required for your home.
Building Standards: Homes built in bushfire-prone areas need to meet certain construction standards to enhance their resilience to bushfires. This may include using fire-resistant materials, installing ember guards, and designing for minimal fire spread.
Clearance: The area around your home should have adequate clearance from vegetation to reduce the risk of fire spreading to the building. This may involve creating a defensible space and maintaining a clear zone.
Windows and Vents: The design of windows, vents, and other openings in your home should consider ember attacks. Installing ember guards can prevent embers from entering your home.
Water Supply: Having an adequate and reliable water supply is crucial for firefighting efforts. This may involve installing firefighting pumps and water storage tanks.
Access and Evacuation: Ensuring proper access for emergency services and having an evacuation plan in place is essential for the safety of residents during a bushfire.
Landscaping: Landscaping design should prioritize fire-resistant plants and features that reduce the risk of fire spreading.

It's important to work with professionals who are experienced in building homes in bushfire-prone areas and are familiar with the relevant regulations. Consulting with local authorities, fire agencies, and architects can help ensure that your home is designed and constructed to withstand the threat of bushfires.

Keep in mind that building in a bushfire-prone area requires careful planning and consideration of safety measures. It's crucial to prioritise the safety of your property, your family, and the surrounding environment. If you're considering a steel frame and truss house, we would be happy to discuss your options further, don't hesitate to contact us.

Building A Home In Bushfire Prone Area?