Bushfire shutters are an essential addition to offer bushfire protection for any homes that are located in bushfire-prone or high-risk fire areas. For home-saving protection, fire-rated shutters are a crucial inclusion in the home that should not be overlooked. 

From an explanation of how they protect against fires to how much they cost, here are some FAQs about bushfire roller shutters answered.

How do they protect against fires?

Windows are the most common entry points into the home for fire. As fire-resistant shutters cover windows, they guard these vulnerable openings from heat and debris and therefore reduce damage to the home. 

Fire can often either shatter the glass of windows with heat and enter the home this way, or magnify heat through the glass onto curtains or flammable items in the home. The heat shielding properties defend windows and, in this way, protect your home from fire.

Which homes should have them? 

Homes that are located in bushfire-prone areas (BPA) are strongly required to have fire shutters installed.  

BPA are classified by Australian Standard 3959 into three different classes. Bushfire hazard level low (BHL low) includes areas of, for example, managed grassland, airports or gardens. Bushfire hazard level 1 (BHL1) includes forest areas, shrublands, rainforest, unmanaged grassland etc. BHL2 includes forest, woodlands, shrublands and rainforest where there is potential for an extreme ember attack.  

How strong are the heat shielding properties?

These shutters have a rating of bushfire attack level 40 (BAL40) which includes heat shielding properties to 40kW/m^s. They comply with the Australian Bushfire Construction Standard AS3959 – 2009 (Clauses 3.7 & 8.5.1). 

What are they made from? 

Shutters are made from high quality aluminium alloy with a commercial grade double wall extruded profile for heavy-duty strength and extreme heat protection. They also sport a steel axle with robust internal sealed bearings for added immunity, and are fully insulated to block out heat. 

How long do they last?

Shutters, in general, are made to last decades. Security Plus shutters are extremely durable and easy to maintain, and are therefore able to last for at least 20 years. 

What are they finished with? 

A high quality, powder-coated finish offers maximum abrasion resistance. Powder coating is a dry coating process used to finish metals, which is applied as a dry powder through an electrostatic process and then cured with heat. 

This style of coating is extremely sturdy with strong chemical bonds that hold well in extreme conditions and offers a scratch-, abrasion- and chip-resistant coating. 

How do you know they are good quality roller shutters?

Good quality bushfire window shutters will meet Australian Standard 3959, and have at least BAL 40. A reliable company will also generally provide Australian-made products, and offer a genuine warranty in case of any defects or faults in materials or workmanship. 

What width spans are they suitable for? 

Flame zone shutters are suitable for widths up to as wide as 4000mm. 

How much do they usually cost? 

The cost of fire-rated shutters will vary depending on the window size that they are covering, the materials and design that will be used as well as any installation costs or motorisation. With Security Plus, you may arrange a free consultation to determine a quote based on your specific requirements. 

Can they be utilised for general, everyday use?

While FZ shutters are more heavy-duty than general shutters, they are still excellent for everyday use and able to provide privacy, insulation, noise reduction and security to enhance daily life. 

You are able to lift or lower the shutters at any time to control privacy or lighting, and noise reduction can assist you to sleep through the night without disturbance from neighbourhood sounds or passing traffic. The added insulation reduces heat transfer so you can rely less on heating and cooling and maintain a comfortable in-home temperature no matter the outside weather. 

How long does it take to get them installed?

The average expected time frame from deposit to installation is generally 4-6 weeks depending on current demand. At Security Plus, you will be provided a more accurate time frame for your project within your initial consultation. 

Protect your home with Security Plus bushfire shutters

At Security Plus Shutters, Doors & Blinds we offer top quality custom made bushfire shutters to offer maximum protection and fire safety. Our expert team has been providing peace of mind in the form of durable shutters to Australian families since 1992. 

Contact us to arrange a consultation and ensure your home, family and belongings are prepared in the event of a bushfire.