In essence, the videos not only demonstrate the tangible effectiveness of Bushfire Mesh against direct flame and radiant heat but also emphasises its crucial role in defending against Ember Attack. Experience the power of Bushfire Mesh in action – a proven protection against the relentless 3 threats of bushfires. Watch the videos and witness the strength of our defence against nature’s fury.
Testing Our Bushfire Mesh
Ever wondered how Bushfire Mesh stands up against the fierce elements of a bushfire? To demystify the science behind its effectiveness, we devised a simple yet impactful matchstick test. The primary goal was to showcase, in an easily comprehensible manner, how Bushfire Mesh acts as a crucial defence against 2 of the 3 threats of bushfire.
Match Stick Test:
But wait, there is more watch the next video to witness how Bushfire Mesh effectively stops embers.
Ember Attack Test:
However, the test focuses on 2 out of the 3 threats posed by bushfires. The 3rd threat, Ember Attack, remains the greatest risk. Ember attack is responsible for a staggering 80% of homes lost during bushfires, making it a critical aspect of our defence strategy. The mesh excels here by capturing and holding dangerous embers and releasing them only when they no longer pose a threat.
SSWM worked with University of Southern Queensland (USQ) to test the effectiveness of Bushfire Mesh against Ember Attack, our video demonstrates Bushfire Mesh TOUGH being rigorously tested at USQ, Toowoomba. The test conditions simulate bushfire scenarios using a “mini-dragon” apparatus. Witness for yourself the effectiveness of Bushfire Mesh TOUGH in halting dangerous embers and providing a robust shield against this prevalent threat.
Functional Tests
For over a decade, our team has been diligently working behind the scenes, conducting comprehensive functional tests to tackle the challenges posed by bushfires. We’re excited to share that, through rigorous independent testing, it’s been confirmed: our Bushfire Mesh effectively shields against the three major threats of bushfires.
Our Bushfire Mesh is also independently verified by CSIRO, confirming that the Bushfire Mesh SHIELD range meets with the physical properties outlined in AS3959:
- mesh with a maximum aperture of 2mm
- corrosion-resistant steel
- non-combustible
How does Bushfire Mesh exceed AS 3959?
All three (3) of SSWM’s Bushfire Mesh exceed the Australian Standards as they all have apertures well below the minimum 2.0mm aperture to keep embers out.
Bushfire Mesh FLEXI Shield is stainless steel grade 316 and has past tests for non-combustible and non-corrosive. An excellent product for use in Low to BAL 12.5 environments. With an open are of 76% it keeps embers and insects out while letting sunlight and ventilation through
The Bushfire Mesh TOUGH Shield takes it a step further, maintaining its integrity, shape, and form even under extreme conditions, withstanding temperatures exceeding 980 degrees Celsius. Certified to ASTM E2886, it provides comprehensive Ember Protection and Direct Flame Protection. This is typically used in BAL 12.5 to 40 environments with an open area of 62% it reduces Radiant heat by up to 35% and still allows high levels of light and ventilation.
Bushfire Mesh EXTREME Shield takes it a set further again it is heavy duty mesh so not only is it Bushfire Mesh but it is also a security mesh. It is typically installed in areas with BAL40 to flame Zone (FZ) with an open area of 43% it reduces Radiant Heat by up to 48%.
The Bushfire Mesh ULTIMATE Shield goes even further. Moreover, CSIRO tests have demonstrated that Bushfire Mesh ULTIMATE, under AS 1530.8.1 conditions, can achieve a remarkable 50% reduction in radiant heat exposure for 40kW/m2. This is because the wire diameter is twice that of Tough and the Open area is 42%.
What do the Experts have to say about Ember Protection:
“A Fine metal mesh screen is a really good choice, something like stainless is going to give you a really good design life but it is also particular strong even if the wire gauges is very fine. 2mm or smaller aperture between the strands of wire give you a fine enough screen so that embers that try to get through those if any do get through are so small that they have very little to no chance to igniting anything combustible behind it. 2mm or finer aperture stainless mesh would be the go-to.”
Justin Leonard, 31st August 2023
Source: Bushfire Resilience Inc 2023 Webinar 3
Which is the most appropriate mesh for your project?
View our Bushfire Mesh Products to learn more about which mesh suits your application.
We have protection that can meet your Building’s Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) to deliver the performance you require. Our range of Bushfire Mesh Shield can be used for vents & weepholes, subfloor spaces and door & window protection against embers, flame and radiant heat. To determine the most appropriate product for your application start with your building BAL rating.
