Often times, when we hear of home security screens, we think protection against the environment and break-ins. Never protection against fire. While this is okay if you live in cool climate state where bushfires do not occur, it isn’t if you live in dry climate states like Queensland where bushfires are a season.
Homeowners in dry climate states like Queensland, especially those who live in residential developments where houses are built close together, home security screens for fire protection is something that homeowners put into serious consideration. In some building projects, it is a legal requirement by the state- to protect not just the properties, but the lives of the people most importantly, should a bushfire or a house fire occurs.
One of the most common home security screens for fire protection that homeowners in Queensland and other dry climate states use is fire attenuation screens. These screens work to limit the ability of flames and fire to jump between homes and buildings.
Some people confuse fire attenuation screens to fire ratings, but the two are actually different. Fire attenuation screens work more like fire barriers, which is more advantageous because for one, they are better in preventing the spread of fires and embers/sarks/logs from place to place, and also because they prevent water drenching systems from being set off, saving the homeowner the time and money associated with replacing water damaged furniture and fittings.
The effectiveness of Fire Attenuation Screens, however, relies mainly on their construction and quality of construction. When looking for some to purchase to use in your own home, the features to look for in them include:
Designed to meet the Building Code of Australia. This is the primary feature you need to look for the screens to purchase. The Building Code of Australia recognises the risks of fire spreading between closely placed housed. Products that didn’t meet the BCA’s requirements should be avoided as they are most likely not quality, thus, won’t be effective in their purpose of fire protection.

Offer a high level of security; that is, they are not easy to break as to not serve as a way for intruders or robbers to get into the home or building. If possible, look for those with fly screening benefits so you know even a fly couldn’t get in and so you can kill two birds with just one stone.

Help to encourage energy efficiency of the home; that is, the screens should not allow air conditioned to come out of the house and can reduce the entrance of heat for effective cooling.

Do not rust. Screens must be made of stainless steel, the same grade stainless steel used to make kitchen sinks and must have powder coating that can prevent corrosion.
Offer durability especially during bushfire or house fire. For example, the screens should be strong enough to be able to stand up against falling debris like tree branches during a bushfire or house fire.

Designed for applications to satisfy the safety and building requirements of the Australian Government and of safety entities. For example: the screens you will get if you live in a bushfire prone area must satisfy the requirements of the AS3959-2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas.