Construction Requirements BAL-FZ Building Codes & Rules

- Comply with Bushfire Construction Requirements with Tools™: BAL-FZ requirements, fire danger insights, & detailed guidance for walls, roof, guttering & more!

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1 (a)

-/60/60 FRL^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1 (a)}

AS 3959:2018, 2.1

Fencing^{AS 3959:2018, 2.1}

< 6m from building to be non-combustible

Bushfire shutter (optional)

Garage door

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5

Skylights^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5}

System compliant to AS 1530.8.2

> 6m

-/60/60 FRL

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (b)

Wall & Openings Fire Separated from Garage^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (b)}

Fire separation required as Garage Doors do not meet BAL-FZ compliance

Permanently Closed Window

Wall

Self-Closing

Fire Door

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1 (a) (ii)

-/60/- FRL^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1 (a) (ii)}

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1 (a) (i)

-/60/30 FRL^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1 (a) (i)}

Fire Door

Penetrations

Protection^[1]
Sealed, &
AS 1530.8.2 compliant

Penetrations RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Roof Penetration^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5}
Sealed with non-combustible material
Roof lights, ventilators and pipes or conduit AS 1530.8.2 compliant

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5

Protection^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5}
Sealed, &
AS 1530.8.2 compliant

Roof Construction BAL-FZ (Light Steel)

Floor & Balcony

Fully enclosing a subfloor will provide protection^[1]
Non-combustible materials when unenclosed^[2]

Unenclosed Subfloor RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.3.2.2

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Flooring system including joist & bearers^{AS 3959:2018, 9.3.2.2}
30/30/30 FRL system with the surface materials non-combustible, or
≥ 30 minutes fire resistant system lined on combustible elements, or
AS 1530.8.2 compliant system

Sub Floor Supports RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.2

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Exposed sub-floor supports^{AS 3959:2018, 9.2}
30/-/- FRL with the structure non-combustible, or
System to AS 1530.8.2
No requirements^{AS 3959:2018, 9.2}
If enclosed with a BAL-FZ compliant wall

Screen RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
≤ 2mm aperture screen of corrosion resistant steel, or bronze^{AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1}

Wall Construction RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.4.1

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
External Wall^{AS 3959:2018, 9.4.1}
≥ 90mm non-combustible material, or
System to AS 1530.8.2, or
-/30/30 FRL system when tested from the outside, or
30/30/30 FRL

Fully Enclosed Subfloor RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.3.2.1

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Fully enclosing a sub-floor will provide protection^{AS 3959:2018, 9.3.2.1}
No requirements if enclosed with BAL-FZ compliant wall

AS 3959:2018, 9.2

AS 3959:2018, 9.3.2.2

Fully enclosing a subfloor will provide protection^{AS 3959:2018, 9.2}
Non-combustible materials when unenclosed^{AS 3959:2018, 9.3.2.2}

Garage & Carport Under

All elements to BAL-FZ Rules^[1]
Rest of Building Fire Separated from Garage

Carport or Garage Under or Partially Under a Building

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5D1

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.2

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.2 (a)

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.2 (b)

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (b)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5D1NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Structure & Openings to BAL-FZ rules^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.2}, &
Garage separated from the main building with^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.2 (a)AS 3959:2018, 3.2.2 (b)}
60/60/60 Structure tested from Outside
-/60/60 Walls & ceiling / floor above, or
≥ 90mm thk Masonry or Earth Walls^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (b)}
-/60/30 Self-closing fire door
-/60/- Permanently closed fire window

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.2

All elements to BAL-FZ Rules^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.2}
Rest of Building Fire Separated from Garage

Fire-stopping Penetrations

Metal Roof

Assembly^[1]
Timber or steel frame
Glasswool blanket between plywood and sheet roof
Corrugated roof sheet screwed to battens

Gutter & Downpipes RULES

NCC 2022 V5

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.7

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

Building elements within Bushfire-prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.7NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5}
Gutter & Downpipe installation^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Downpipe requirement not covered
Non-combustible Gutter, Box Gutter & Valley Leaf Guards
Box Gutter flashed at Roof junction with non-combustible materials
Wider profile for easier cleaning

Roofing RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (a)

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (b)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Junctions^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (a)}
Roof/Roof & Roof/Wall junctions sealed, or
Backed with a breathable sarking or mesh
Ventilation openings^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (b)}
Fitted with non-combustible ember guards, or
Protected by mesh or perforated sheet screened

Metal Sheet Roof RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, H3

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Sheet roofs^{AS 3959:2018, H3}
Timber or steel frame
≥ 15mm thick tongue & grooved plywood
≥ R1.8 glasswool blanket between plywood and sheet roof
Corrugated roof sheet screwed to battens with seal & shank guard
Mineral wool between sarking and ridge cap & above blanket
Angle along plywood to cover gaps
Z flashing along eaves end into plywood

Eaves & Fascia RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, H3 (j)

AS 3959:2018, H3 (i)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Eaves^{AS 3959:2018, H3 (j)}
≥ 15mm plywood installed over timber, or steel frame, or trusses
≥ 16mm water & fire resistant plasterboard fixed into plywood
≥ 4.5mm fibre cement eaves to protect the plasterboard
Fascia^{AS 3959:2018, H3 (i)}
≥ 15mm plywood membrane installed over timber, or steel frame or trusses
≥ 16mm water & fire resistant plasterboard fixed into plywood
6 to 10mm joint spacing to fill with fire resistant sealant

Skylights RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5}
AS 1530.8.2 compliant system^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}

Penetrations RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Roof Penetration^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5}
Sealed with non-combustible material
Roof lights, ventilators and pipes or conduit AS 1530.8.2 compliant

AS 3959:2018, H3

Assembly^{AS 3959:2018, H3}
Timber or steel frame
Glasswool blanket between plywood and sheet roof
Corrugated roof sheet screwed to battens

Tiled Roof

Assembly^[1]
Timber or steel frame
Glasswool blanket between steel counter battens
Roof tiles screw or clip fixed to battens

Eaves & Fascia RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, H2 (k)

AS 3959:2018, H2 (j)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Eaves^{AS 3959:2018, H2 (k)}
≥ 15mm plywood installed over timber, or steel frame, or trusses
≥ 16mm water & fire resistant plasterboard fixed into plywood
≥ 4.5mm fibre cement eaves to protect the plasterboard
Fascia^{AS 3959:2018, H2 (j)}
≥ 15mm plywood membrane installed over timber, or steel frame or trusses
≥ 16mm water & fire resistant plasterboard fixed into plywood
6 to 10mm joint spacing to fill with fire resistant sealant

Roofing RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (a)

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (b)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Junctions^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (a)}
Roof/Roof & Roof/Wall junctions sealed, or
Backed with a breathable sarking or mesh
Ventilation openings^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (b)}
Fitted with non-combustible ember guards, or
Protected by mesh or perforated sheet screened

Tiled Roof RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, H2

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Tiled Roof Construction^{AS 3959:2018, H2}
Timber or steel frame
≥ 15mm tongue & grooved plywood
≥ R1.1 glasswool blanket between steel counter battens
Steel roof battens over Sarking with ≤ 5 flammability index
Roof tiles screw or clip fixed to battens
Mineral wool under cappings

Skylights RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5}
AS 1530.8.2 compliant system^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}

Gutter & Downpipes RULES

NCC 2022 V6

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.7

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

Building elements within Bushfire-prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.7NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5}
Gutter & Downpipe installation^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Downpipe requirement not covered
Non-combustible Gutter, Box Gutter & Valley Leaf Guards
Box Gutter flashed at Roof junction with non-combustible materials

Penetrations RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Roof Penetration^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5}
Sealed with non-combustible material
Roof lights, ventilators and pipes or conduit AS 1530.8.2 compliant

AS 3959:2018, H2

Assembly^{AS 3959:2018, H2}
Timber or steel frame
Glasswool blanket between steel counter battens
Roof tiles screw or clip fixed to battens

Verandah or Awning Roof

Relation to main roof^[1]
If part of main roof space, requirements as per main roof
If separated from main roof space, the roofing material shall be non-combustible

Post RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.7.5

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Veranda posts^{AS 3959:2018, 9.7.5}
Non-combustible materials

External Roofing RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.4 (a)

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.4 (b)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Part of main roof^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.4 (a)}
Equal requirements
Separated from main roof^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.4 (b)}
Roofing materials non-combustible
Structure non-combustible, or
Timber rafters protected by ≥ 6mm fibre-cement sheet, or
System to AS 1530.8.2

Metal Sheet Roof RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, H3

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Sheet roofs^{AS 3959:2018, H3}
Timber or steel frame
≥ 15mm thick tongue & grooved plywood
≥ R1.8 glasswool blanket between plywood and sheet roof
Corrugated roof sheet screwed to battens with seal & shank guard
Mineral wool between sarking and ridge cap & above blanket
Angle along plywood to cover gaps
Z flashing along eaves end into plywood

Tiled Roof RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, H2

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Tiled Roof Construction^{AS 3959:2018, H2}
Timber or steel frame
≥ 15mm tongue & grooved plywood
≥ R1.1 glasswool blanket between steel counter battens
Steel roof battens over Sarking with ≤ 5 flammability index
Roof tiles screw or clip fixed to battens
Mineral wool under cappings

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.4

Relation to main roof^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.4}
If part of main roof space, requirements as per main roof
If separated from main roof space, the roofing material shall be non-combustible

Roofing

Assembly^[1]
Non-combustible materials
Fully sarked, junctions sealed
Vents fitted with ember guards

Eaves & Fascia RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (c)

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (b)

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (a)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Eaves^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (c)}
-/30/30 FRL system, or
System to AS 1530.8.2
Penetrations sealed with a non-combustible material
Ventilation openings fitted with ember guards, with screens
Joints sealed with plastic joining strips or timber storm moulds
Fascia^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (b)}
System to AS 1530.8.2
Gables^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (a)}
Construct as per wall

Roofing RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (a)

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (b)

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.2

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.3

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Junctions^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (a)}
All gaps should be screened, & the roof/wall & roof/roof junction should be
Sealed by using a fascia & eaves lining, or
Sealed on the junction between the top of the wall and the roof underside and also between rafters at the wall line
Ventilation openings^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1 (b)}
Fitted with non-combustible ember guards, or
Protected by mesh or perforated sheet screened
Tiled Roof^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.2}
System to AS 1530.8.2, or
As per tiled roof rules
Metal Roof^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.3}
System to AS 1530.8.2, or
As per metal roof rules

Screen RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
≤ 2mm aperture screen of corrosion resistant steel, or bronze^{AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1}

Skylights RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5}
AS 1530.8.2 compliant system^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}

Penetrations RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Roof Penetration^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.5}
Sealed with non-combustible material
Roof lights, ventilators and pipes or conduit AS 1530.8.2 compliant

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1

Assembly^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.1}
Non-combustible materials
Fully sarked, junctions sealed
Vents fitted with ember guards

Decks & Landings

Non-combustible decking^[1]
Enclosed subfloor, or
Non-combustible structure

Decks & Landings RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.7.1

AS 3959:2018, 9.7.2.4

AS 3959:2018, 9.7.3

AS 3959:2018, 9.7.4

AS 3959:2018, 9.7.2.1

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Decking
Shall not be spaced^{AS 3959:2018, 9.7.1}
Non-combustible materials, or^{AS 3959:2018, 9.7.2.4}
Fibre-cement sheet, or
System to AS 1530.8.2
Enclosed Sub-floor^{AS 3959:2018, 9.7.3}
Fully enclosing a sub-floor will provide protection
Walls shall be BAL-FZ compliant & all openings protected by screens
Unenclosed sub-floor^{AS 3959:2018, 9.7.4}
Non-combustible or system to AS 1530.8.2
Handrails (< 125mm from glazing)^{AS 3959:2018, 9.7.2.1}
Non-combustible materials

AS 3959:2018, 9.7

Non-combustible decking^{AS 3959:2018, 9.7}
Enclosed subfloor, or
Non-combustible structure

Doors, Frames, Sidelights

Assembly^[1]
-/30/- FRL system, or
System to AS 1530.8.2

Screen RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
≤ 2mm aperture screen of corrosion resistant steel, or bronze^{AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1}

Doors RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.4

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.4 (a)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Door Assembly^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.4}
Tight fittings to door fame and abutting door when applicable
Weather strips, draught excluders, or seals installed at side hung base
-/30/- FRL system, or
System compliant to AS 1530.8.2
Bushfire Shutter (optional)^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.4 (a)}
No requirements on door if protected by a bushfire shutter

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.4

Assembly^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.4}
-/30/- FRL system, or
System to AS 1530.8.2

Windows & Glazed Doors

Assembly^[1]
-/30/- FRL system, or
System to AS 1530.8.2

Windows & Glazed Doors RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.3 (b)

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.3 (a)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Openable parts should be screened^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.3 (b)}
-/30/- FRL system, or
System to AS 1530.8.2
Bushfire Shutter (optional)^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.3 (a)}
No requirements on window if protected by a bushfire shutter

Screen RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
≤ 2mm aperture screen of corrosion resistant steel, or bronze^{AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1}

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.3

Assembly^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.3}
-/30/- FRL system, or
System to AS 1530.8.2

Gutter & Downpipes

Construction^[1]
Turn sarking into gutter
Box gutter non-combustible & fully flashed

Gutter & Downpipes RULES

NCC 2022 V5

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.7

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

Building elements within Bushfire-prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.7NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5}
Gutter & Downpipe installation^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Downpipe requirement not covered
Non-combustible Gutter, Box Gutter & Valley Leaf Guards
Box Gutter flashed at Roof junction with non-combustible materials
Wider profile for easier cleaning

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.7

Construction^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.7}
Turn sarking into gutter
Box gutter non-combustible & fully flashed

Sarking

Where required^[1]
≤ 5 flammability index
Walls & Roof fully sarked

Sarking RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

AS 3959:2018, 3.10

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

Building elements within Bushfire-prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to NCC^{AS 3959:2018, 3.10NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5}
Sarking requirement details^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Non-combustible material
Continuous to the outside to Walls & Roof
≤ 5 Flammability Index

AS 3959:2018, 3.10

Where required^{AS 3959:2018, 3.10}
≤ 5 flammability index
Walls & Roof fully sarked

Walls

External Wall^[1]
Non-combustible
-/30/30 FRL or
System to AS 1530.8.2

Wall Construction RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.4.1

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
External Wall^{AS 3959:2018, 9.4.1}
≥ 90mm non-combustible material, or
System to AS 1530.8.2, or
-/30/30 FRL system when tested from the outside, or
30/30/30 FRL

Vent & Weepholes RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.4.3

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
≤ 2mm aperture screen of corrosion resistant steel, bronze or aluminum^{AS 3959:2018, 9.4.3}

Jointing RULES

NCC 2022 V3

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

AS 3959:2018, 9.4.2

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

Building elements within Bushfire-prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to NCC^{AS 3959:2018, 9.4.2NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5}
Joints on the exterior to be concealed, weatherproofed, extended beyond the joint, strengthened, or or Butt Joined^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}

AS 3959:2018, 9.4.1

External Wall^{AS 3959:2018, 9.4.1}
Non-combustible
-/30/30 FRL or
System to AS 1530.8.2

Service

Metal plumbing externally^[1]
Underground electrical wiring^[2]

Utility Service RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.8

AS/NZS 1596:2014, 4.4.12

AS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.11

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Gas & Water Supply Lines^{AS 3959:2018, 9.8}
Water, gas pipes & fittings to be metal
Gas pipes should be made of of steel or copper and placed on a wall ≥ 0.9mm (gas regulations may require thicker)
Metal pipes should extend
≥ 400mm into the wall, &
≥ 100mm below the ground
Bottled gas tanks^{AS 3959:2018, 9.8AS/NZS 1596:2014, 4.4.12}
Shielding & / or located away from building
Securely fastened & on concrete pad
Electrical wiring to be underground^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.11}

AS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.11

AS 3959:2018, 9.8

Metal plumbing externally^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.11}
Underground electrical wiring^{AS 3959:2018, 9.8}

Attached Structure

Same fire resisting construction as per main building, or^[1]
Main building protected by^[2]
-/60/60 FRL wall
–/60/30 FRL self-closing fire door
–/60/– FRL permanently closed window

Attached Structure RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1 (a)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
The main building can be protected by having the attached structure with equivalent fire resisting construction as the main building, or^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1}
Fire Wall protecting main building^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1 (a)}
-/60/60 FRL wall
-/60/30 FRL self closing fire door
-/60/- FRL permanently closed window

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1 (a)

Same fire resisting construction as per main building, or^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1}
Main building protected by^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.1 (a)}
-/60/60 FRL wall
–/60/30 FRL self-closing fire door
–/60/– FRL permanently closed window

Detached Structure

Same fire resisting construction as per main building, or^[1]
> 6m separation, or^[2]
Main building protected by^[3]
-/60/60 FRL wall
–/60/30 FRL self-closing fire door
–/60/– FRL permanently closed window

Detached Structure RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3 (a)

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3 (b)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
The main building can be protected by having the detached structure with equivalent fire resisting construction as the main building, or^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3}
Separation from Main building^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3 (a)}
< 6m horizontal distance, or
Fire Wall protecting main building^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3 (b)}
-/60/60 FRL Fire Wall
-/60/30 FRL self closing Fire door
-/60/- FRL permanently closed window

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3 (a)

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3 (b)

Same fire resisting construction as per main building, or^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3}
> 6m separation, or^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3 (a)}
Main building protected by^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.3 (b)}
-/60/60 FRL wall
–/60/30 FRL self-closing fire door
–/60/– FRL permanently closed window

Bushfire Shutter

If all external doors are protected, one must be operable from the inside to allow for safe escape^[1]

Screen RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
≤ 2mm aperture screen of corrosion resistant steel, or bronze^{AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1}

Bushfire Shutter RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.7

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Assembly^{AS 3959:2018, 3.7}
Protect window & door assembly
Non-removable & securely attached to the building
Gaps & Perforations
≤ 2mm gap to Wall, Frame, or Sill
≤ 20% perforated area
≤ 2mm aperture size openings, evenly distributed
Safe Exit/Egress
≥ 1 to be openable from inside to allow escape

AS 3959:2018, 3.7

If all external doors are protected, one must be operable from the inside to allow for safe escape^{AS 3959:2018, 3.7}

Vent & Weepholes

Vent screened^[1]

Vent & Weepholes RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.4.3

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
≤ 2mm aperture screen of corrosion resistant steel or bronze^{AS 3959:2018, 9.4.3}

AS 3959:2018, 9.4.3

Vent screened^{AS 3959:2018, 9.4.3}

Garage Doors

Non-combustible materials^[1]
≤ 5 flammability index to seals^[2]

Garage Doors RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (c)

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (b)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Access door^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (c)}
Non-combustible material
Fitted with weather strips, drought excluders or seals with ≤ 5 flammability index
Door assembly fitted with brushes guide tracks with no edge gap protection
When attached to main building^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (b)}
Separation wall shall follow fire wall rules

Fire Wall RULES

NCC 2022 V4

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.2.2

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Separated from the main building^{AS 3959:2018, 3.2.2}
-/60/60 Walls and ceiling / floor above
-/60/30 Self closing fire door
-/60/- Permanently closed window

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (a)

AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (d)

Non-combustible materials^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (a)}
≤ 5 flammability index to seals^{AS 3959:2018, 9.5.6 (d)}

Wall Lining Installation (FRL)

Eaves & Fascia

Roof components^[1]
Eaves with -/30/30 FRL, or system to AS 1530.8.2
Fascia compliant to AS 1530.8.2

Eaves & Fascia RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (c)

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (b)

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (a)

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Eaves^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (c)}
-/30/30 FRL system, or
System to AS 1530.8.2
Penetrations sealed with a non-combustible material
Ventilation openings fitted with ember guards, with screens
Joints sealed with plastic joining strips or timber storm moulds
Fascia^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (b)}
System to AS 1530.8.2
Gables^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6 (a)}
Construct as per wall

Screen RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
≤ 2mm aperture screen of corrosion resistant steel, or bronze^{AS 3959:2018, 3.6.1}

AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6

Roof components^{AS 3959:2018, 9.6.6}
Eaves with -/30/30 FRL, or system to AS 1530.8.2
Fascia compliant to AS 1530.8.2