Short answer
Steel-reinforced uPVC is an approved frame material up to BAL-29 under AS 3959, with the right toughened glass and screens. At BAL-40 there are two ways to use uPVC: a window system that has passed a bushfire test (AS 1530.8.1), or a standard uPVC window with standard glass that is fully protected by a bushfire shutter complying with Clause 3.7. We found no uPVC window claiming BAL-FZ.
The six Bushfire Attack Levels
If you build or renovate in a bushfire-prone area, your block gets a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) based on vegetation, slope and distance. The BAL sets the construction requirements for your windows.
Green: reinforced uPVC is deemed to satisfy · Amber: only with an AS 1530.8.1 test or a Clause 3.7 bushfire shutter · Grey: no uPVC option found
What uPVC can do at each level
| BAL | uPVC frames | Glass (deemed-to-satisfy) | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAL-19 | Metal-reinforced uPVC | 5 mm toughened in the low zone | 6.5 |
| BAL-29 | Metal-reinforced uPVCaluminium, stainless or corrosion-resistant steel reinforcement | 5 mm toughened (windows), 6 mm (doors) | 7.5 |
| BAL-40 | Tested system, or behind a bushfire shutteruPVC isn't a deemed-to-satisfy frame here | As tested, or standard glass behind a Clause 3.7 shutter | 8.5 |
| BAL-FZ | None found | AS 1530.8.2 test or shutters | 9 |
Screens also matter: at BAL-19 and BAL-29 the deemed-to-satisfy provisions call for mesh with a maximum 2 mm aperture in corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium.
BAL-40: tested windows or bushfire shutters
At BAL-40 the standard gives three routes: a window system tested to AS 1530.8.1, full bushfire shutters, or deemed-to-satisfy construction with a metal frame. uPVC can use the first two. The Vinyl Council of Australia confirms that some uPVC systems have passed this test, and at least one profile brand first tested to BAL-40 in 2010.
The test covers a specific combination. A BAL-40 result applies to the exact profile, glass make-up, seals, screens and size range that were tested. A different glass or a larger window may not be covered. It also covers BAL-LOW to BAL-29, but not BAL-FZ.
Standard uPVC windows behind a bushfire shutter
If a window is completely protected by a bushfire shutter that complies with AS 3959 Clause 3.7, the shutter carries the compliance. The window behind it can be a standard uPVC window with standard glazing: it doesn't need its own AS 1530.8.1 test. Three things decide whether this works on your job:
- The shutter must comply with Clause 3.7. A "BAL-40" label on a brochure isn't enough on its own. The shutter has to be non-removable but operable, made of non-combustible material, and close with no gap over 2 mm to the wall, sill or head.
- It must cover the whole window. A shutter over part of an opening doesn't protect the rest of it.
- Check your state's rules and your certifier. In NSW, Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019 applies on top of AS 3959, and the certifier signs off the combination for your building.
What to ask your supplier
- What is my site's BAL, and who assessed it?
- Up to BAL-29: are the frames steel- or aluminium-reinforced, with 5 mm toughened glass (6 mm in doors) where required?
- At BAL-40: can I see the AS 1530.8.1 test report or assessment for this exact system, glass and screens?
- At BAL-40 with shutters: does the shutter comply with AS 3959 Clause 3.7, and does it cover the whole window?
- Do the window sizes in my quote fall within the tested size range?
- What screens are included, and do they meet the mesh requirements for my BAL?
Sources
- AS 3959:2018 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas, incl. Amd 1 (2019) and Amd 2 (2020)
- Bushfire Design Consultants, BAL-19 / BAL-29 / BAL-40 summaries and Section 3 general requirements (incl. Clause 3.7 bushfire shutters), https://www.bushfiredesignconsultants.com.au/
- Vinyl Council of Australia, PVC and fire, https://www.vinyl.org.au/pvc-fire
- AGWA Guide Series: Selection, https://www.agwa.com.au/