SPECIFICATIONS
Windows and doors are vital to the design, functionality and efficiency of a home. They provide access and ventilation; fill spaces with sunlight; and can assist with reducing energy bills. They can also offer security and peace of mind.
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Timber is a natural insulator and used in combination with high-performance glass, improves the efficiency and amenity of your home. Heat and cold can be reduced, along with unwanted noise from aircraft, trains or traffic.
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Against the Grain has produced windows and doors to achieve specific energy ratings such as Green Star, BASIX, NatHERs and the ACT House Energy Rating Scheme Guidelines. Call us directly for guidance on energy efficient windows or doors.
GLASS & GLAZING OPTIONS
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Patterned / Obscure
Double Glazing
Float
Laminated (Safety)
Toughened (Safety)
TIMBER WE USE
Imported
Western Red Cedar
Is the most commonly used timber for windows and doors. It is an extremely robust, but soft timber. It has a stable grain structure and can be very pale brown to very dark brown in colour.
Rosewood
Is the popular name given to the ornamental wood of tropical trees. The heartwood of the tree is where the reddish-brown colour of timber comes from. Rosewood is a strong and heavy timber with a close and mostly straight grain. BAL 19 Fire Rating.
Merbau
Is a very stable hardwood that is a popular choice as it is resistant to termites and decay. Merbau is dark reddish brown in colour. It is prone to leach when a clear finish is applied. BAL 29 Fire Rating.
Accoya
Is a stable, sustainable and low maintenance timber. Your windows and doors are classified as carbon negative over their 50+ year life cycle. Accoya is a pale honey colour with performance characteristics of the most robust tropical hardwoods. Learn more about Accoya here. BAL 19 Fire Rating.
Australian
Blackbutt
Is an extremely versatile hardwood with colours ranging from golden yellow to pale brown. It is however prone to a small amount of twisting and shrinking so not as stable as some of the other timbers. BAL 29 Fire Rating.
Spotted Gum
Is a very tough hardwood with colours ranging from light brown to dark brown. It is however, like Blackbutt, also prone to a small amount of twisting and shrinking so not as stable as some of the other timbers. BAL 29 Fire Rating.
River Red Gum
Is a fast growing readily available hardwood that has become one of the most widely planted Eucalypts in the world. Known for its durability and strength River Red Gum has a distinct red colour range from pink to almost black. BAL 29 Fire Rating.
BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVELS:
BAL RATINGS
All new buildings and proposed additions to existing buildings are assessed for bushfire attack levels (BALs), as per Australian Standard – AS 3959.
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BALs are based on the threat of fire to the building; as the level of threat increases, so to restrictions on which building materials can be used. Where restrictions exist, timber is permitted for use at the lower BALs, providing it meets specific criteria.
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THE SIX BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVELS
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BAL Low: Very low risk
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BAL 12.5: Low
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BAL 19: Moderate
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BAL 29: High
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BAL 40: Very High
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BAL FZ: Flame Zone
Against the Grain products can be considered for BAL 12.5, 19 and 29. To meet BAL 40 and BAL FZ, our products must be installed with compliant shutters as timbers we manufacture with are not tested to these ratings.
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For specific guidance on products suitable for your BAL rating, please contact us directly. Further detail is available in the WoodSolutions Building with Timber in Bushfire Prone Areas Guide.
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SUITABLE TIMBERS
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For some applications, AS 3959 indicates that there are no requirements or permits the use of timber. For such applications any timber may be used (where appropriate) provided that the timber meets the requirements of all other standards and codes that apply to the construction.
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For some applications, AS 3959 restricts the use of timber to a fire-retardant – treated timber. However, the standard does provide that some timber species are capable of meeting the required parameters (for resisting fire) without having to be subjected to fire retardant treatment. Again, the timber used must meet the requirements of all other standards and code that apply to the construction.
The following timber species have been tested and found to meet the required parameters without having to be subjected to fire retardant treatment:
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- Blackbutt
- Merbau
- Red Ironbark
- River Red Gum
- Silvertop Ash
- Spotted Gum
- Turpentine
MAINTAINING YOUR
AGAINST THE GRAIN WINDOWS & DOORS
When you purchase our custom windows and doors, whether you intend to paint or keep a natural timber finish, we provide a guidance on maintaining and protecting your investment.
Our Installation & Maintenance guide is available for download here.