Media Release
From the Building Commissioner
Thursday 29 October 2009
Five new roof systems available for bushfire affected homes
Victorians planning to rebuild on sites assessed as BAL-FZ* now have the choice
of five roofing systems tested to meet the new Australian Standard.
Building Commissioner, Tony Arnel, welcomed the results of the testing and
encouraged building designers and builders to familiarise themselves with the roofing
systems to assist and advise bushfire affected communities to rebuild their homes.
“We are pleased to have a range of roofing systems that meet the rigorous testing
under the new Standard. It will give people the confidence of knowing that these
new roofing systems are suitable for those areas that have been assessed as
Bushfire Attack Level-FZ,” Mr Arnel said.
“This independent research and testing is a great example of industry partners
working together for the greater benefit of the Victorian community.”
The new roofing systems tested to meet the new Australian Standard are:
The TBA Firefly Roof System.
The tested system incorporates an internal timber truss system where a
Firefly Plus 60 blanket and other components are fitted over the roof area,
fascia and eaves.
The system released covers valleys, barge, hips, gables and the basic roof
structure and it is understood that this system may be able to be used with
other roofing components.
Roof tiling systems developed by the Roofing Tile Association of Australia.
As well as the basic roof test, the RTAA developed and tested other
components.
The system released covers valleys, barge, hips, gables and the basic roof
structure.
The development of these roof systems was funded by all of the
manufacturers of roof tiles across Australia.
Several systems based around roofing made from Bluescope Steel Limited
COLORBOND® steel, roof battens made from TRUECORE® steel or
timber, fire-resistant insulating board or plywood and timber trusses.
These were developed in conjunction with Promat Australia Limited and
Forest and Wood Products Australia Limited.
Promat Australia Limited’s main roof solution using PROMATECT® 40
Mineral Bound Magnesia board.
These were developed in conjunction with Bluescope Steel Limited and
Forest and Wood Products Australia Limited.
Forest and Wood Products Australia Limited’s Roofing Solutions systems
as developed in conjunction with Bluescope Steel Limited and Promat
Australia Pty Ltd.
The Victorian Government introduced the new residential bushfire construction
building Standard, AS 3959-2009 in March 2009 responding to the need to better
protect our bushfire affected communities.
“This is a great milestone for all those families and homeowners wishing to rebuild
after the devastating bushfires and paves the way for these people to have a
choice of building systems that contribute to their safety in the future while
providing flexibility in design,” said Mr Arnel.
* The new Standard sets out six Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) with corresponding
construction requirements. BAL-FZ is the highest Bushfire Attack Level.
For further information please contact Anne Pavey from the Commissions on:
NEWS 
