Fire Resistance: A VELUX Skylight test
On a chilly day in Melbourne, close to 100 building surveyors and certifiers gathered at Exova Warringtonfire for the inaugural Certifiers Education Day. While attendees bundled up against the cold, inside, the temperature was about to soar. Exova had turned on their state-of-the-art fire resistance furnace, the first of its kind in Australia, reaching an astonishing 1100°C to put VELUX skylights to the ultimate test.
The Significance of Fire Resistance in Building Materials
Fire safety is a crucial consideration for building professionals, especially in bushfire-prone areas. According to the Building Code of Australia, materials used in construction must comply with specific fire resistance standards. The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is a measure of the potential bushfire attack on a building, with BAL 40 representing significant risks due to extreme radiant heat flux and potential flame contact.
A VELUX Skylight Faces the Heat
During the education day, attendees witnessed a remarkable demonstration: a VELUX skylight undergoing a BAL 40 test. This test emulates extreme fire conditions that could arise in a bushfire, showcasing the skylight’s resilience under such dire circumstances.
Test Preparations
To begin, a burning crib—representative of debris from a bushfire—was placed on the glass. This crib was subjected to a blowtorch for three minutes before being dropped onto the skylight. Meanwhile, the furnace was heated, mimicking the intense conditions of an actual bushfire, setting the stage for a compelling demonstration.
The Test Begins
As the crib ignited and the furnace reached 1100°C, the shield protecting the skylight was removed. The radiant heat was almost unimaginable, equivalent to standing near lava from a volcano.
Most bushfires last only 2 to 5 minutes, but the VELUX skylight had to endure a grueling 10 minutes of relentless heat. As smoke began to emerge from the skylight, observers watched with bated breath, wondering whether it would withstand the punishment.
The Remarkable Outcome
Surprisingly, the VELUX skylight emerged from the test with minimal damage. While the extreme temperature differential caused the outer pane to break during the cooling period, the inner pane remained intact. This remarkable performance showcased the resilience of VELUX skylights, confirming their suitability for installation in bushfire-prone areas.
Ingram Davids, VELUX’s Product Manager, noted, “VELUX skylights initially passed the BAL 40 test back in 2010, so today’s result was no surprise to us. But many of the building surveyors and certifiers were quite amazed that a skylight could survive such punishment. They thought skylights weren’t an option in bushfire-prone areas. Clearly, they are!”
Understanding the Testing Process
The testing process involved several key demonstrations, each showcasing the importance of fire resistance:
- The Room Corner Test: This test aimed to simulate how a fire could develop inside a room lined with standard Group 3 plywood. A gas burner released heat, and the results were startling—lashover occurred in less than six minutes, emphasising how quickly a fire can escalate.
- Fire Door Test: The difference between standard timber doors and fire-resistant doors was stark. The standard door started smoking within two minutes and was engulfed in flames shortly thereafter, while the fire-resistant door showed minimal smoke. This could be the difference between life and death in a fire situation.
- Fire Cable/Tray Test: Fire-resistant cables and trays help contain fires, significantly reducing smoke, toxic gases, and heat release. This test lasted for an hour, providing ample time for occupants to evacuate a building in case of fire.
The Importance of Education in Fire Safety
Peter Downer, Managing Director of Exova, emphasised the critical role of education in improving fire safety compliance. “Better education means better compliance—better compliance saves lives. Many building surveyors and certifiers have never witnessed a fire test, even though they are ultimately responsible for fire safety. We would like to change this, and the Exova Certifiers Education Day is a step in that direction.”
Feedback from Industry Experts
The day left a lasting impression on attendees, with many sharing their insights and experiences:
- Chris Stevenson, National Construction Manager at Hutchinson Builders, remarked, “I saw so many things I wouldn’t otherwise have seen. Until recently, I lived in a bushfire-prone area and thought skylights had to be severely guarded with metal flyscreens or would be incredibly expensive. VELUX is obviously a fairly standard product and easy to incorporate into a property.”
- Brett Dundules, Senior Technical Officer at the Fire Protection Association Australia, added, “I didn’t know VELUX when I arrived, but it performed extremely well in the test. Very interesting!”
- Ross Jackson, Managing Director at TBA Firefly, highlighted the value of witnessing such tests firsthand: “Seeing it gives a better understanding. I didn’t know VELUX complied with BAL 40—I actually thought you couldn’t use skylights in bushfire-prone areas.”
Conclusion
The Exova Certifiers Education Day provided invaluable insights into fire safety, showcasing the exceptional fire resistance of VELUX skylights. With their proven performance in BAL 40 testing, VELUX skylights are a reliable choice for homeowners in bushfire-prone regions, allowing for natural light and ventilation without compromising safety.
If you’re considering installing skylights in your home, especially in areas susceptible to bushfires, look no further than VELUX. Contact The Skylight Shop Melbourne today for expert advice on selecting the right skylights to enhance your home while ensuring peace of mind.
