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Question

i am trying to find out ignitibility time for W.R.Cedar in minutes for timber windows as council have asked for a timber that is 60 minutes plus time to comply with job we have to supply .Or a timber suitable to comply.
Woodsolutions Answer +

No doubt the requirement is for a Fire Resistance Level (FRL) expressed as -/60/- where the 60 refers to the 'integrity' of the window, meaning the ability to resist the passage of flames for 60 minutes. It commonly applies to windows on a boundary. A standard timber window with standard glass would not be able to achieve this rating. However, you will find certified timber windows on the net if you write '60 min fire resistant timber windows' or similar wording in your browser.

Fire resistant windows

Answered on 24-10-2020
Please note that our answer is based on the best advice available at the time. If the National Construction Code, Australian Standards or local requirements have been subsequently amended, our answer may no longer be correct in all details. For more information, please read our disclaimer.

Question

Our project is located in BAL40. Our clients have access to 350x350 old wharf timbers (ironbark or turpentine) that we are wanting to use as a pergola (uncovered) on the exterior of the house. I note a similar question asked in 2017, however our Bushfire Consultant doesn't believe we would be able to use this (is suggesting we get testing). Do you have any literature confirming the ability to use this, or is there a Fire Engineer that you could provide contact details for, who may be able to assist us with a report to support the use of these elements.
Woodsolutions Answer +

A 2018 edition of Australian Standard 3959, Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas, has now been published. However, as in the previous edition, the focus is on preventing fire from spreading from the roof of attached structures into the roof cavity of the main building. If the pergola in question has a roof it will be classed as a verandah or awning and subject to AS 3959. If it has no roof, and is not formed by a connection to, or a continuation of the roof rafters, our understanding is that there are no specific requirements. For more information on bushfire construction refer to our Technical Design Guide no. 4, which can be downloaded from our website here https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/publications.

Bushfire construction

Answered on 20-10-2020
Please note that our answer is based on the best advice available at the time. If the National Construction Code, Australian Standards or local requirements have been subsequently amended, our answer may no longer be correct in all details. For more information, please read our disclaimer.

Question

Need to find out how long it takes for W.R.Cedar to ignite - need a timber for windows that takes longer than 60 minutes to ignite for council.
Woodsolutions Answer +

No doubt the requirement is for a Fire Resistance Level (FRL) expressed as -/60/- where the 60 refers to the 'integrity' of the window, meaning the ability to resist the passage of flames for 60 minutes. It commonly applies to windows on a boundary. A standard timber window with standard glass would not be able to achieve this rating. However, you will find certified timber windows on the net if you write '60 min fire resistant timber windows' or similar wording in your browser.

Fire resistant windows

Answered on 19-10-2020
Please note that our answer is based on the best advice available at the time. If the National Construction Code, Australian Standards or local requirements have been subsequently amended, our answer may no longer be correct in all details. For more information, please read our disclaimer.

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