Victoria's tragic bushfires of 2009 raised awareness of the roles of building design and materials in these extreme circumstances.
In the aftermath, the Victorian and Queensland governments announced the adoption of AS3959-2009 which sets a strict new standard for roofing systems in bush fire prone areas assessed as flame zone (BAL-FZ), the highest level of bush fire risk.
This standard will be incorporated in the Building Code of Australia in May this year and will then require compliance across Australia.
Rigorous fire testing conducted by Exova Warringtonfire Australia on behalf of the Roofing Tile Association of Australia (RTAA), the roofing tile industry’s peak body, has confirmed that all concrete and terracotta roof tiles manufactured in Australia have suitable fire resistance to meet the requirements for building in areas assessed as Bushfire Attack Level –Flame Zones (BAL-FZ).
“The benefits of roof tiles in terms of durability, sustainability and long life are well established,” says Tony Tanner, RTAA executive director. “Their density and mass make concrete or terracotta tiles the preferred choice for both acoustic and thermal insulation as well as offering greater resistance to wind suction than lightweight metal sheets.
“Roof tiles are also non-combustible and we are pleased to confirm at the highest level the protection they provide against the extreme radiant heat generated during a bushfire.”
In addition to the basic roof test as described in the standard, the RTAA tested structural and fixing components to deliver a comprehensive system that covers battens, trusses, valleys, barges, hips and gables.
“This will allow designers and builders to construct roofing systems to suit a wide range of housing design,” Tanner adds.
The complete fire testing report is available from the RTAA website (www.rooftile.com.au) and a design and construction guide is being prepared to assist designers, builders and roofing installers.