Engineered for Bushfire-Prone Areas - BAL-29 Compliant Windows & Doors
BAL-29 Fire-Resistant Windows & Doors Across WA
Engineered for bushfire-prone areas, Penot supplies BAL-29 compliant windows and doors for homes in Perth and across Western Australia. Our systems are tested to AS 3959 standards and designed to reduce ember attack risk while maintaining thermal comfort, security, and long term performance.
From the Perth Hills to regional and semi rural locations across WA, our BAL-29 windows and doors deliver compliance and confidence without compromising architectural design.
Understanding Your Bushfire Construction Requirements
What Does BAL-29 Mean for Windows and Doors?
BAL-29 (Bushfire Attack Level 29) represents a medium level of bushfire risk under AS 3959, the Australian Standard for construction in bushfire-prone areas. At this level, your home faces moderate ember attack and radiant heat exposure, making compliant windows and doors critical for protection.
The standard defines six BAL levels—from BAL-Low (minimal risk) through BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40, to BAL-FZ (Flame Zone). Each level requires increasingly stringent construction measures. At BAL-29, windows and doors must resist ember penetration, withstand radiant heat, and prevent fire spread through gaps or vulnerable materials.
Key requirements include ember screens with maximum 2mm aperture openings, toughened glass specifications (typically 5mm for windows, 6mm for glazed doors), tight-fitting frames and seals with maximum 3mm gaps, compliant frame materials resistant to bushfire conditions, and tested systems certified to AS 1530.8.1, or compliance via AS 3959 deemed-to-satisfy pathways.
Core Benefits of BAL-29 Windows for Perth Homes
Why Perth Bushfire-Prone Areas Trust Penot
Your Essential Compliance Roadmap
BAL-29 Compliance Requirements WA
Meeting BAL-29 requirements involves several interconnected elements. Here’s what homeowners and builders in Perth’s bushfire-prone areas need to know:
AS 3959 and industry guidance specify strict requirements for window assemblies at BAL-29: Screen apertures with maximum 2mm mesh openings for ember protection (typically stainless steel mesh), frame gaps of maximum 3mm around frames requiring precise fitment, commonly 5mm toughened glass for window panes with double glazing requirements typically applying to the outer pane when specified, and aluminium, steel, or other compliant materials that resist bushfire conditions.
Doors at BAL-29 must meet similarly rigorous standards: Tight-fitting construction with weather seals that prevent ember entry, metal hardware and hinges resistant to radiant heat, glazed doors commonly requiring 6mm toughened glass minimum, and thresholds and seals designed to maintain maximum 3mm gap compliance.
Products tested to AS 1530.8.1 can satisfy BAL-12.5 through BAL-40 performance requirements, depending on their certification level. Some tested BAL-29 window systems can achieve compliance without additional shutters, but only when the specific certified system is installed exactly as tested. This tested approach often simplifies compliance and can reduce overall project costs by eliminating separate shutter requirements, provided you select a system certified for your BAL level and install it to manufacturer specifications.
Understanding the Critical Distinctions
Fireproof vs Fire-Rated vs Bushfire-Rated — What's the Difference?
Many homeowners confuse these terms, but they describe fundamentally different protection systems:
BAL-29 Rated Windows
BAL-29 Window Options We Can Supply Across WA
Meeting BAL-29 requirements doesn’t mean sacrificing design flexibility. We supply tested BAL-29 compliant systems across our full range of window styles:
FAQ
Common Questions About BAL-29 Windows & Doors
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What is BAL-29 and how is it assessed?
BAL-29 is a Bushfire Attack Level defined by AS 3959, representing moderate bushfire risk with ember attack and radiant heat exposure. BAL levels are determined through formal bushfire assessment by qualified assessors who evaluate vegetation type, slope, distance from fire sources, and Fire Danger Index for your location. Perth properties in designated bushfire-prone areas require BAL assessment before building permits are issued. Your assessment report specifies construction requirements for all building elements, including windows and doors.
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What glazing is typically required for BAL-29 windows?
AS 3959 and industry guidance typically specify 5mm toughened glass for BAL-29 windows to resist radiant heat and ember impact. When double glazing is used, the toughening requirement usually applies to the outer pane, the one exposed to bushfire conditions. Some tested systems may vary from these typical specifications while still achieving BAL-29 certification, which is why following manufacturer specifications for certified products is essential. Always confirm glazing requirements with your building surveyor and selected window system documentation.
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Do BAL-29 windows need ember screens?
Yes, BAL-29 windows require ember protection, typically achieved through screens with maximum 2mm mesh aperture. These bushfire screens, often stainless steel mesh, prevent ember entry while allowing ventilation. However, some windows tested to AS 1530.8.1 integrate ember protection within the certified assembly, potentially eliminating separate screen requirements when installed as tested. The screen requirement depends on whether you’re using a tested system approach or complying via AS 3959 deemed-to-satisfy pathways with separate screens.
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Do I need shutters at BAL-29?
Not always. Shutters are sometimes required at BAL-29, depending on your window and door systems. Windows tested and certified to AS 1530.8.1 for BAL-29 may achieve compliance without separate shutters, as the tested assembly includes integrated ember protection and compliant glazing. If you’re using non-tested systems or complying via AS 3959 prescriptive requirements, you may need bushfire shutters or screens in addition to compliant frames and glazing. Your BAL assessment and building surveyor confirm which approach suits your project.
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Can I have sliding doors in BAL-29 areas?
Yes, sliding doors can be installed in BAL-29 areas with appropriate compliant systems and screens. Sliding and stacker door assemblies require careful integration of ember screens at track areas and precise gap control to prevent ember infiltration. Many manufacturers offer tested BAL-29 sliding door systems that simplify compliance when installed to specifications. Avoid generic or non-compliant installations, work with suppliers who understand bushfire-rated sliding door assembly requirements and can provide proper documentation for building approval.
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Is "fire-rated glazing (FRL)" the same as BAL-29?
No, these are fundamentally different systems. FRL (Fire Resistance Level) products are designed for internal building fire separation and compartmentation, tested to AS 1530 parts 4 or 8.2. They prevent fire spread between building sections during structural fires. BAL-29 systems resist external bushfire attack, ember penetration and radiant heat from wildland fires, under AS 3959. Some projects may require both types of protection (bushfire-rated for external threats and fire-rated for internal fire separation), but they serve distinct purposes and are not interchangeable.
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How long do BAL-29 window installations take in Perth?
Most BAL-29 window and door installations in Perth are completed within several days to one week, depending on project size and complexity. Custom orders for tested systems may have longer lead times for manufacturing, but installation itself typically proceeds quickly with experienced teams. We work efficiently to minimise disruption while maintaining strict compliance with installation specifications, critical for BAL certification. Timeline factors include site access, number of openings, retrofit complexity, and any structural preparation required. We provide realistic schedules during quoting.
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Do you provide BAL compliance documentation for building approval?
Yes, we provide complete compliance documentation including manufacturer testing certificates, installation records, product specifications, and compliance declarations required for WA Building and Energy approval processes. This documentation is essential for building permit sign-off and for insurance applications in bushfire-prone areas. We understand what building surveyors and certifiers need to verify BAL-29 compliance, and we ensure you receive organised, comprehensive records that support smooth approval and future reference. Proper documentation is part of every Penot BAL installation.
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What's the difference between BAL-29 and other BAL levels?
BAL-29 sits in the middle of the bushfire risk spectrum. BAL-Low and BAL-12.5 represent lower risks with less stringent requirements, while BAL-40 and BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) require more robust protection. At BAL-29, you face moderate ember attack and radiant heat, requiring specific construction measures including ember screens, toughened glass, and compliant frames. Higher BAL levels may require additional protection like external shutters or more robust materials. Your BAL assessment determines your specific level based on site conditions.
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Can I retrofit BAL-29 windows to an existing home?
Yes, BAL-29 windows and doors can be retrofitted to existing homes, though it’s more complex than new construction. Retrofits require careful measurement, frame preparation, and ensuring compliance with gap tolerances and sealing requirements. Existing openings may need modification to accommodate compliant systems. We assess your specific situation, recommend appropriate solutions, and ensure installation meets all BAL-29 requirements. Retrofitting is common when properties are renovated, extended, or when BAL requirements change due to nearby development or vegetation changes.