Flyscreen FAQ – Your Questions Answered
Section 1: Understanding BAL Ratings
What is a BAL rating?
BAL stands for Bushfire Attack Level. It is a measure of the potential exposure of a building to ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame contact during a bushfire. BAL ratings are defined under the Australian Standard AS 3959 – Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas.
What are the different BAL levels?
The BAL levels from lowest to highest risk are: BAL–LOW, BAL–12.5, BAL–19, BAL–29, BAL–40, and BAL–FZ (Flame Zone). Each level has specific construction requirements to protect your home.
What is the difference between BAL29 and BAL40?
BAL29 is suitable for areas with a moderate bushfire risk. Screens rated to BAL29 must resist ember attack and burning debris. BAL40 is for high-risk zones and requires screens that can also withstand significant radiant heat and potential flame contact. Always check with your local council or building certifier to confirm which BAL rating applies to your property.
How do I know which BAL rating I need?
Your BAL rating is determined by a site assessment based on factors like vegetation type, slope, and distance from bushland. Your local council, a registered building certifier, or a bushfire consultant can confirm your property's BAL rating. When in doubt, always build to the higher standard.
Do my flyscreens need to comply with AS3959?
If your home is in a designated bushfire-prone area, yes — your screens must meet the requirements of AS3959 for your BAL rating. Our BAL29 and BAL40 rated mesh products are specifically designed to meet these standards. Always verify compliance requirements with your local council or certifier before purchasing.
Section 2: Choosing Your Mesh
What mesh materials do you offer?
We stock a range of mesh types to suit different needs and budgets:
| Mesh Type | Durability | Price | BAL Rated? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fibreglass | Good | Budget-friendly | No | Standard windows & doors, DIY repairs, everyday use |
| Aluminium | Very Good | Mid-range | No | High-traffic areas, coastal environments, longer lifespan |
| Stainless Steel | Excellent | Premium | BAL29 & BAL40 | Bushfire-prone areas, maximum security, long-term investment |
| Bronze | Excellent | Premium | No | Heritage homes, coastal areas, corrosion resistance |
| Pet Mesh | Very Good | Mid-range | No | Homes with cats or dogs, tear and scratch resistance |
Which mesh is best for bushfire-prone areas?
Stainless steel mesh is the only material suitable for BAL-rated applications. Our stainless steel options are available in both BAL29 and BAL40 ratings. Fibreglass and aluminium mesh will melt or deform under the heat conditions associated with bushfire attack and are not suitable for BAL-rated installations.
What is pet mesh and do I need it?
Pet mesh is a heavier-gauge, more tightly woven mesh designed to resist scratching and pushing from cats and dogs. If you have pets that regularly lean on or scratch at your screens, pet mesh is a worthwhile upgrade over standard fibreglass or aluminium mesh.
What is midge or insect protection mesh?
Standard flyscreen mesh has openings large enough for very small insects like midges and sandflies to pass through. Our fine-weave midge protection mesh has a much smaller aperture to keep these tiny insects out — ideal for coastal and tropical areas.
Section 3: Spline & Tools
What is spline?
Spline is the flexible rubber or foam cord that holds flyscreen mesh into the channel (groove) of a screen frame. It is pressed into the channel using a spline roller tool to lock the mesh in place.
How do I choose the right spline size?
Spline diameter must match the channel width of your screen frame. The most common sizes are 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, and 5mm. To find the right size, measure the width of the groove in your existing frame, or remove the old spline and measure its diameter. If you're unsure, it's better to go slightly larger — spline compresses when installed. Contact us if you need help selecting the right size.
Do I need a special roller for metal mesh?
Yes. Standard plastic spline rollers are suitable for fibreglass mesh, but metal mesh (aluminium, stainless steel, bronze) requires a heavy-duty or metal-specific spline roller. Using a standard roller on metal mesh can damage the tool and result in a poor installation. We stock the appropriate rollers for all mesh types.
Can I cut spline rolls to length?
Our spline is sold in full rolls and is not available cut to length. We recommend measuring your total frame perimeter and purchasing accordingly. Leftover spline can be stored for future repairs.
Section 4: Installation Basics
Can I install flyscreen mesh myself?
Yes! Installing or replacing flyscreen mesh is a straightforward DIY job for most standard frames. You'll need the correct mesh, spline, a spline roller, and a sharp utility knife or scissors. The basic steps are:
- Remove the old spline and mesh from the frame.
- Cut the new mesh slightly larger than the frame opening.
- Lay the mesh over the frame and press the spline into one corner of the channel.
- Work around the frame, pressing the spline firmly into the channel as you go — keep the mesh taut but not overstretched.
- Trim the excess mesh with a sharp knife or scissors.
Is metal mesh harder to install than fibreglass?
Metal mesh is stiffer and less forgiving than fibreglass, so it requires a little more care and the correct heavy-duty roller. Take your time pressing the spline evenly and ensure the mesh is held taut before you begin. For BAL-rated installations, we recommend consulting a professional installer to ensure compliance.
Do you have installation videos?
We are working on adding video guides to our website. In the meantime, many helpful installation tutorials are available on YouTube. Search for "flyscreen mesh replacement" or "spline roller installation" for step-by-step visual guides.
Section 5: Shipping & Orders
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes! We offer free shipping on orders over $99 Australia-wide. Orders under $99 attract a flat-rate shipping fee calculated at checkout.
Where do you deliver?
We deliver Australia-wide, including metro and regional areas. Delivery times may vary depending on your location.
Can I order custom cut lengths of mesh or spline?
Mesh rolls are sold in standard lengths as listed on each product page. Spline is not available cut to length — it is sold in full rolls only. If you need help working out how much you need, feel free to contact us before ordering.
How do I contact you if I have more questions?
We're happy to help! Visit our Contact page to get in touch with our team. We aim to respond to all enquiries promptly.