Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At Stainless Steel Wire & Mesh, we get a lot of commonly asked questions about our range of products and their many applications.
This FAQ page lists those frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us for help.

1. What are the requirements for AS 3959?

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To cover any gap that is greater than 3mm with a product that is:

Non combustible
Non-corrosive
Opening size less than 2mm

2. Why Stainless Steel vs Aluminium or Galvanized?

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Stainless steel has a high melting point and the research states that the protection should be able to withstand 900+ degrees C where as aluminium Melts at 700 Degrees C
Stainless steel is non corrosive and low maintenance where as galvanised steel loses its non corrosive protection over time
Stainless steel is non combustible and will not increase your building fire load
Stainless steel can reflect Radiant heat resulting in a lower temperature on the non fire side. This lower temperature will reduce the likelihood of fire continuing beyond the barrier

3. Why Woven Mesh?

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When there is no fire situation:
The Bushfire Mesh (woven mesh) allows airflow and will allow areas that get wet to dry out
When there is a Fire situation:
The Bushfire Mesh (woven mesh) allows airflow and the mesh acts as a filter that “knocks out” embers as they are carried by the winds
Solid metal barriers deflect the wind up and over the fence leaving the ember in the wind allowing the ember to enter the defendable space
Solid fences require large footings as they are subject to the full force of the wind
Woven Mesh is strong and it keeps its shape

4. Why SSWM Bushfire Mesh?

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It is manufactured to ISO 9000 Quality Standards
It is strong and can keep animals and insects out of protected spaces
Available in black powder coated finish and blends into the environment
Provides a privacy feature when installed
Supplied with additional wires, top and bottom to make securing easy
Has been independently tested and passas all the Australian Standards (AS 3959)
Meets the Respective Australian Building Codes
Meets the Highest Bushfire Attack Level BAL-FZ requirements
Class A rated product per UL 723 / ASTM E84 (?)

5. Which specification is right for my application?

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SSWM Product Selection Guide & Planning Guide are great resources and tools to select the most appropriate mesh for your application. A customer will need to consult and confirm with their local fire authority or Bushfire Planning and Design (BPAD) Accredited Practitioner and contact your local council to ensure that you are meeting all the building and AS3959-2018 requirements. Remember Bushfire Mesh is a part of the total solution.

Frequently Asked Questions