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.
Who can I talk to about my Bushfire requirements?
There are Bushfire consultants and Fire Engineers that can be called upon to seek advice. These people are qualified to be able to support you in your design and construction of your building that will ensure you meet the requirements of the Australian Standards. In some cases, they are able to “sign off” on your design and construction to meet your planning and building requirements.
What do I need to do to make my building compliant with the Australian Standards?
Follow the relevant sections of the AS 3959 that are applicable to your buildings BAL rating. The table below (AS 3959 Table 3.1) shows which sections of the Standard that the build shall comply with:
| Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) | Description | Section from AS 3959: 2018 Construction section |
| Low | Insufficient risk to warrant specific construction requirements | Section 4 |
| 12.5 | Ember attack | Section 3 & 5 |
| 19 | Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux | Section 3 & 6 |
| 29 | Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux | Section 3 & 7 |
| 40 | Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux with the increased likelihood of direct contact with flame | Section 3 & 8 |
| FZ | Direct exposure to flames from fire front in addition to heat flux and ember attack | Section 3 & 9 |
Is SSWM Bushfire Mesh a System?
No. Because buildings come in many different shapes and forms it is difficult to provide off the shelf protection for different openings. SSWM Bushfire Mesh allows you to design your own fixings based on your building requirements and can share with you other building’s solutions via YouTube videos. You will need to make sure that what you install meets the requirements of the Australian Standards construction section. Some of these requirements ask for metal fixings and as the BAL rating increases, certain materials can’t be used for frames. Window and Door fabricators work with our products and can provide you with a frame and fixing solution that meets these standards.
Can SSWM Bushfire Mesh range be used in different BAL ratings?
Yes, we have a different product that can be used in all of the BAL ratings from Low to Flame Zone. SSWM understands that people are looking for a solution that is “fit for purpose” which is why we suggest different products due to the different intensity of the BAL. The below table explains this:
BAL Rating | Low | 12.5 | 19 | 29 | 40 | Flame Zone (FZ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SSWM Suitable Product | Flexi | Flexi | Tough | Tough | Extreme & Ultimate | Extreme & Ultimate |
Does SSWM Bushfire Mesh meet the Australian Standards for Vents and Openings?
Yes, SSWM has four (4) stainless steel woven mesh products that comply to AS 3959. These are:
- Flexi – aperture of 1.23mm and wire diameter of 0.18mm
- Tough – aperture of 1.67mm and wire diameter of 0.45mm
- Extreme – aperture of 1.51mm and wire diameter of 0.8mm
- Ultimate – aperture of 1.64mm and wire diameter of 0.9mm
What does Australian Standard AS 3959 require for Vents & Openings to protect against Bushfires?
The standard states for vents and openings (section 3.6) that a mesh with an aperture of 2mm or less made from a non-corrosive metal is required. This requirement is for all BAL ratings.
What does the Australian Standard AS 3959 require for Construction in a Bushfire prone Area?
AS 3959 requires buildings to meet certain construction standards to improve their resilience to Bushfires. AS 3959 states the criteria for the different BAL’s that shall be achieved. AS 3959 considers proactive barries to prevent bushfire ignition and reactive barries to reduce the consequence of bushfire ignition. As the BAL rating increases so do the requirements to protect the building.
What is a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Rating?
It is a rating or Risk Assessment that has been determined from Australian Standard 3959 to determine the risk of a fire in a specific location. It takes into consideration several factors including:
- Fire danger index of the region
- The vegetation classification
- The distance from the building to the fuel load
- The slope of the area
What are the three (3) threats from Bushfire?
The three threats and the % of are:
- Ember Attack – Small burning combustible material that are transported by the wind
- Radiant Heat – The heat generated from a fire that is transferred using radiation waves
- Direct Flame – The heat generated through conduction of a flame to an object
Which specification is right for my application?
- 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.
Why SSWM Bushfire Mesh?
- 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
Why Woven Mesh?
- 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
Why Stainless Steel vs Aluminium or Galvanised?
- 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
What are the requirements for AS 3959?
To cover any gap that is greater than 3mm with a product that is:
- Non combustible
- Non-corrosive
- Opening size less than 2mm
What are your opening hours?
Our showroom and dispatch operate from 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Can I visit your showroom?
Yes, we welcome visitors! Please prearrange your visit so we can assist you without interruption and ensure the right team member is available.
Can I pay over the phone?
We accept payment via EWAY or direct deposit (EFT). For security reasons, we do not accept credit card details over the phone.
Can I use my own freight company?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to arrange your own freight provider. Please notify us in advance so we can coordinate pickup and documentation.
When will my order be despatched?
Orders received before 9:00am are dispatched same day. Orders received after 9:00am will be dispatched the next business day.
Can I track my delivery?
Yes. Once your order is dispatched, we’ll send you a tracking link or consignment number via email.
Where can I find weights, dimensions and specifications?
We have a technical datasheet for each product:
These include a to scale image, specifications, dimensions and weights. These are found on the website product page under the “PRODUCT SPECIFICATION” tab. We also include a link to the relevant datasheet in all quotes, proformas and invoices.
What roll sizes are available?
We stock pre-cut rolls in 15 metre and 30 metre lengths.
Do you offer bulk pricing or trade discounts?
Yes. We offer volume-based pricing and trade discounts for approved resellers and commercial customers. Contact us for a quote.
Can I pick up my order?
Yes. Pickup is available from our Tullamarine, VIC or Sunnybank Hills, QLD warehouse. Please confirm your pickup time so we can have your order ready.
Do you offer installation services?
Bushfire Mesh is supplied as a DIY or contractor-installed product. We do not offer installation services but can recommend experienced installers in your area and you can refer to our SSWM Bushfire Mesh DIY Guide.