Viridian’s bushfire resistant glass

When subjected to radiation levels of up to 40kW/m.2, less than 4% of the radiant heat is transferred through a window glazed with Viridian PyroGuard 40.Viridian PyroGuard 40 provides significantly better insulation performance than standard single paned glass to improve thermal comfort for occupants in the normal seasonal operation of the building. The insulated glass unit features two pieces of glass separated by a hermetically sealed argon gas filled gap, which forms a transparent insulating barrier between the interior of the building and the outdoors, significantly reducing the rate of heat transfer.

Viridian PyroGuard 40 is a safety glass manufactured to comply with AS2208 – Safety Glass in Buildings.

Changes incorporated in ‘AS3959-2009; Construction of Building in Bushfire-Prone Areas’ has provided a pathway for a deemed to satisfy and alternative solution to glazing based on a BushFire Attack Level (BAL) rating. The deemed to satisfy approach prescribes glazing and bushfire resistant shutters and/or specific metal screens to the glazing area as the BAL moves through BAL 12.5 to BAL 40. For consumers the presence of either or both of these elements may provide an unsightly and undesirable additional feature to the building’s external appearance.

AS3959:2009 also provides an alternative solution using specifically tested and certified window systems in lieu of the deemed to satisfy provision. By successfully completing the test procedures in AS1530.8.1-2007, alternative window systems can be installed without the need for bushfire resistant shutters and/or specific metal screens to the glazing area up to and including BAL 40.

When a Viridian PyroGuard 40 bushfire resistant insulated glass unit is glazed as a part of a successfully tested window system to the requirements of AS1530.8.1-2007, it is suitable to be used for Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) up to and including BAL 40. Viridian PyroGuard 40 is not designed to be used in BAL Fire Zone (BAL FZ).

Specific advice on the application should be sought from the relevant authorities and the window system manufacturer on suitability.

Viridian PyroGuard 40 is a proprietary bushfire resistant glazing system available only through authorised Viridian processing facilities.

Bushfires are highly unpredictable in their intensity, duration and progress. The ability of a building to survive a passing bushfire is not solely dependent on the ability of glass used in windows and doors to withstand radiant heat. A number of other factors are critical, including wall cladding, roofing material and absence of combustible material near the house.