How To Prepare Your Home For The Bushfire Season
In Australia bushfires pose a real problem, and it is important to prepare yourself and your home as best you can when bushfire season approaches. From general maintenance, to investing in certain building materials, there are a number of things you can do to prepare your home no matter what stage bushfire season is at. uPVC double glazed windows provide a non-combustible and self extinguishing option for those who live in bushfire areas. No matter if you’re looking to build, renovate or simply prepare your home and garden, we have some useful information to help you prepare for bushfire season. Read on for more information.
uPVC Double Glazing and Bushfire Preparation
Did you know uPVC double glazed windows and doors are difficult to ignite with common sources, such as matches or lights? While it may not be common knowledge, double glazed windows and doors are generally recognised as one of the more permanent ways you can protect your home from bushfires. uPVC needs temperatures of 390 degrees to ignite, whereas pinewood catches fire at only 260 degrees.
For those who live in bushfire prone areas, and may find bushfire season especially stressful, uPVC windows and doors offer an excellent alternative to wooden frames, and provide necessary peace of mind. uPVC can also be combined with design strategies to create homes that are made to resist radiant heat and ember attacks.
Timber frames are often covered in paint or varnish, and this creates a product more likely to combust. uPVC doesn’t have either of these coatings. uPVC provides protection from ember attacks and flame fronts, and will make your preparation job much easier each year as uPVC frames don’t need any maintenance other than a quick wipe down.
Preparing Your Home Before Bushfire Season
If you live in an area that is prone to bushfires, or you just want to take a few steps to be safe just in case, we have compiled some recommended things to do before bushfire season below. The most important thing to do, however, is listen to local authorities and advice given for your area and circumstances.
Firstly, ensure your house number is clearly displayed for emergency service crews to see. Mow your lawn regularly and remove excess combustible materials such as dry grass, dead leaves and branches. Move flammable items such as wood piles, boxes and furniture away from the house.
At Thermotek Windows & Doors, we also recommend contacting your local double glazing business. If you are able to install uPVC double glazing before the bushfire season, not only will you benefit from the temperature control of uPVC but you will also find comfort in knowing your home no longer has combustible wooden window frames. Be sure to find a company who uses Australian grade uPVC. At Thermotek, we manufacture all our uPVC, windows and doors in our Melbourne factory. Thermotek is made for Australians, by Australians.
Preparing Your Home As the Fire Front Arrives
If you know the fire front is arriving, there are a few different actions to take. This is a difficult position for anyone to be in, and you should first listen to the feedback provided by your local CFA or fire authority.
If you are able to stay, and decide to do so, there are a few things you can do. You can block drain pipes with gutter plugs and fill the gutters with water. Move your car to a safe location, and hose down verandas and vegetation near the house. If you have them, turn on sprinklers in the garden. Take down your curtains and move furniture away from the windows.
For your own safety, stay close to the house and drink plenty of water. Prepare livestock and pets for evacuation. Patrol for spot fires and extinguish them safely if you can.
Energy Efficiency and Heat Resistance
uPVC double glazed windows and doors provide quality heat resistance and energy efficiency year round. Not only do they provide a safer alternative for those wanting to protect their home from bushfires, but they are also good for those who want to save on energy bills or keep themselves cool in summer. We know that those in bushfire prone areas often face extreme temperatures, and double glazing can provide some relief from both the heat and the cold.
Contact us via our website, Thermotek Windows & Doors, for more information on what double glazing can do for you, or simply visit our website.
Australian Made Double Glazing
When taking the plunge into double glazing, it is important to know where your products are coming from. Many suppliers source uPVC double glazing windows and doors from overseas, and while they suit the conditions of their respective countries, the climate in Australia is harsh and the needs of the windows are different. This can result in products that don’t last as long as they otherwise should, or windows and doors that stop providing the same level of energy efficiency. The UV rays in Australia are demanding, and it is important to find products made in Australia with these conditions in mind.
For over 8 years, Thermotek Windows & Doors has committed to quality and innovation. We make all our uPVC double glazing windows and doors in our local Melbourne factory. We pride ourselves on our positive work environment, high quality products and satisfied customers.
Thermotek Windows & Doors
At Thermotek, we provide a quality product for a competitive price. We are a proud member of the Australian Window Association, and our work is acknowledged by the Housing Industry Association. Our uPVC windows are environmentally friendly, and we are always working towards a sustainable future.
uPVC windows and doors come in a range of styles and colours, and at Thermotek Windows & Doors we offer windows and doors to suit any aesthetic. No matter if you’re renovating or building, double glazing offers more than just energy efficiency and bushfire protection.
Contact the team today to start your double glazing journey, or visit our website for more information.