FLYING embers are often what cause houses to catch alight during a bushfire — and that's where a little forethought (and some clever products) can mean the difference between a building surviving the flames or being destroyed.
Windows are among the most vulnerable entry points in a building, but shutters and screens can help stop embers getting inside the house.
All Guard Home Improvements managing director Craig Gee said: "the biggest problem with fire is that fire is not the problem".
"It's when the glass is broken, the embers get inside and the fire gets a new lease of life."
But Mr Gee warned to check roller shutters and screens were certified to meet the Australian standard for fire-resistance.
"The fire safe roller shutters we have have been tested by the CSIRO and comply with Australian bushfire construction standards AS3959-2009," he said.
"Because they have been certified, our shutters have a commercial grade double-walled extruded profile.
"That offers heavy-duty strength for extreme heat protection — but they don't look any different to a standard roller shutter."
Mr Gee said some people had concerns about being trapped in a house if fire caused electric-operated shutters to fail.
"We have a sensor fire unit that's similar to a smoke alarm," he said.
"When the smoke alarm goes off, it sends a signal to the sensor and the shutters automatically open."
He said screens were protection against bushfire.
"We do Invisi-Gard security doors and grills, which have been rated to the fire attenuation AS1530.4."
■ Details: 1300 884 260, unit 4/63 Glendenning Road, Glendenning.
