AIBS National News

Australian glass manufacturer, Viridian, has designed a bushfire resistant glass specifically for use in bushfire prone areas. Used in conjunction with a specially tested bushfire resistant window systems, Viridian PyroGuard 40™ can help protect human lives and property by providing a barrier against radiant heat and ember attack.

The special ultra-thin transparent coating within Viridian PyroGuard 40™ minimises the transfer of radiant heat from the bushfire front through the glass and into the home; even when subject to radiation levels of 40kW/m2, less than 3% of the radiant heat is transferred through a window glazed with PyroGuard 40™. This not only protects combustible materials such as curtains and furnishings within the home, but helps to provide significantly increased
protection for occupants.

The high radiation levels of a bushfire front normally only last for a short period, rising to a peak as the front nears the building, reducing at a similar rate as the front moves away. PyroGuard 40™ provides further protection after the front passes. Research has demonstrated that many homes ignite well after the fire front has gone, with the integrity of the window maintained; human life and property are further protected.

When glazed as part of a specially tested bushfire resistant window system, PyroGuard 40™ offers effective protection from the effects of ember attack and radiant heat created that would otherwise threaten life and property well after the fire front has passed.

Victorian window fabricator Miglas, has just launched their new bushfire resistant window system, the Miglas Fireguard 40™. Glazed with Viridian PyroGuard 40™, it has passed the rigorous testing procedures documented in AS 1530.8.1.2007.  As provided for in AS3959 ‘Building in Bushfire Prone Areas’, installation of this window system removes the need for unsightly bushfire resistant shutters or specific metal screens in buildings with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) up to and including BAL 40.

Manufactured locally as an Insulating Glass Unit (IGU), incorporating specially processed, high quality Viridian float glass products, the new bushfire resistant Viridian PyroGuard 40TM in conjunction with a suitably tested framing profile offers a range of valuable benefits. These include reduced noise, optimum thermal performance, (improved comfort and savings on heating and cooling costs all year round) and outstanding protection from the bushfire flame front for sites assessed at up to and including BAL 40; it’s extraordinary!

Paul Cocker - Marketing and Business Development Manager, Viridian